Tuesday, automobile supplier Shinhwa Auto USA Corp. announced plans to expand its Auburn footprint by establishing a second auto parts manufacturing facility.
The company will invest a total of $78 million and create 42 jobs at the 400,00-square-foot facility in Auburn Technology Park West. The expansion will support the output of aluminum parts and meet future demands stemming from electric vehicle production, according to the governor’s office.
Shinhwa supplies Hyundai’s Montgomery plant and Kia’s plant in West Point, Ga.
In a statement hailing the announcement, Gov. Kay Ivey praised the company’s plans to increase its investment in the Yellowhammer State.
“This is a great example of the constant innovation and advancements in manufacturing — particularly in the automotive sector — right here in Alabama,” said Ivey. “With this expansion, Shinhwa will have invested over $190 million and created more than 185 well-paying jobs since choosing Auburn as their first U.S. location. Congratulations to Shinhwa on another successful expansion!”
Kwi Hyun Lee, founder and CEO of the Shinhwa Group, noted that the expansion would allow the company to bring variety to its customer base.
“This new facility will give us greater capacity for aluminum automotive parts, including both die casting and machining operations, allowing us to further diversify our customer base,” advised Lee. “This increased capacity will give us the ability to provide greater support for the electric vehicle market here in the U.S.”
In November 2021, Shinhwa undertook a $42 million expansion project with the addition of high-pressure aluminum die casting and post-processing equipment.
Alabama Department of Commerce secretary Greg Canfield asserted that the company had established itself as a key player in the automotive industry.
“Alabama has become a key player in the evolving global automotive industry, and Shinhwa’s continued growth in Auburn illustrates how our industry is preparing for the future,” said Canfield. “We look forward to working with the company to support its expansion plans and fully develop the growth potential of its Auburn manufacturing operation.”
According to Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Shinhwa’s expansion will serve to bolster Auburn’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“We’re thrilled to see the success and growth Shinhwa has experienced in a few short years here in Auburn,” proclaimed Anders. “The company has been a great addition to our high-tech manufacturing base, and we look forward to seeing Shinhwa’s impact grow along with its footprint.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
