Vulcaflex S.p.A, an Italian manufacturer of synthetic leathers used in the automotive industry, has chosen Auburn for its first U.S. facility. The company will invest $70 million in the Alabama site and create 130 jobs.
Family-owned and founded in 1965 in Cotignola, Italy, the company has selected a site in Auburn Technology Park West. The site is currently being prepped for construction.
“The North American market is of great importance to our company,” said Vulcaflex CEO Roberto Bozzi. “We are excited to establish in Alabama a complete production of our synthetic leather materials for the automotive industry in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
“The combination of our unique Italian design and the local production in the U.S. will allow us to grow our market alongside globally known automotive manufacturers with assembly plants in North America,” Bozzi added.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said she was pleased to welcome Vulcaflex to Alabama. “I am confident Vulcaflex chose wisely in locating here and will find the community partners, skilled workforce and business-friendly environment that continues to grow Alabama’s automotive industry,” Ivey said.
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders said, “Vulcaflex selecting Auburn was the result of flawless collaboration between the state of Alabama, the city of Auburn, Auburn University, Southern Union State Community College and the utility companies.”
