2A S.p.A., a prominent Italian die-casting company, plans to invest $15 million to expand its foundry in Auburn, where it serves as a Tier 1 supplier to major producers of automobiles and heavy trucks.
The expansion project at 2A USA, which was announced by Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday, will create more than 50 jobs and double the Auburn facility’s current die-casting area.
“2A has earned a reputation for technical innovation, and its decision to expand its Alabama manufacturing operation is a testament to its skilled workforce in Auburn,” Ivey said in a statement. “We’re thrilled that this first-class company is including Alabama in its growth plans.”
2A’s parent company, headquartered in Santena, near Turin, is Italy’s largest privately-owned high-pressure die-casting industrial company. It specializes in the die casting of large, complex aluminum components that are coated, machined, assembled and painted to meet customer requests.
In Europe, 2A produces parts for major automotive and truck manufacturers including Porsche, AlfaRomeo, Maserati and Volvo Trucks.
“My father Carlo founded 2A with a clear vision of a technology and customer-driven die-casting company,” Vincenzo Ilotte, president of the family owned company, emphasized. “We are very proud of our location in Auburn and plan to further grow our operation to serve our customers in the U.S. Without the great support from the State of Alabama and the City of Auburn, this would not have been possible.”
2A USA entered Alabama in 2014 when it acquired a plant operated by Aluminum Technology Schmid North America in Auburn Technology Park West. The company invested in state-of-the-art die casting and machining equipment at the facility, retaining 95 jobs.
As part of the expansion announced today, 2A will install new equipment capable of exerting pressures on dies of between 1,000 and 2,700 tons, as well as 4,500 tons, representing the largest standard high-pressure die-casting machines on the market. The first of these machines is scheduled to be operational in March 2020.
The company’s Auburn foundry serves original equipment manufacturers including FCA Group (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Freightliner Trucks and engine maker Detroit Diesel Corp., with new customers expected to come on board.
“Alabama’s auto supply chain continues to grow in scope and sophistication as companies such as 2A expand their operations in the state,” Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield advised. “2A’s new investment not only positions its Auburn plant for job creation but also solidifies the company’s presence in the state.”
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders also welcomed 2A’s expansion project in the fast-growing Lee County city.
“With this expansion, 2A is bringing even higher-level technology to its already advanced operation here in Auburn,” Anders commented. “We’re pleased that they have confidence in Auburn to make such a significant additional investment and look forward to their continued success as a leader in high-pressure die-casting.”
This comes on the heels of Motus Integrated Technologies, a worldwide Tier 1 supplier of automotive interior products, last week selecting Gadsden as the location for its new manufacturing facility.
Alabama has cemented its position as an international automotive manufacturing juggernaut, and Ivey has told Yellowhammer News that the state’s aerospace industry is on track to follow suit.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
