ILJIN, a leading automotive and industrial bearings and chassis manufacturer, is investing nearly $100 million in a new operation in Auburn. The plant is expected to employ 160 people, allowing the company to expand into the aluminum forging market.
This is the company’s second facility in the state. It also has a wheel bearing facility in Phenix City.
“ILJIN’s decision to locate its next facility in Auburn is great news for Alabama,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “Alabama is already the fifth largest vehicle producer in the U.S., and it’s wonderful to see how we are continuing to expand and deepen our automotive supplier base, creating lasting jobs throughout Alabama.”
Founded in 1973, ILJIN supplies control arms, stabilizer links, ball joints and other components to major auto manufacturers.
“We have found the U.S., and in particular the state of Alabama, to be the most productive, the most competitive and the highest yielding of all our recent investments,” said DS Lee, ILJIN chairman.
ILJIN has long used steel forging in its manufacturing process, but with the Auburn facility plans to begin producing forged aluminum control arms for several U.S. customers. The transition to aluminum will produce stronger and lighter components. The forgings out of Auburn will be sent to the company’s Greer, South Carolina, operation for final processing.
“By combining our in-house forging capabilities with world-class technology, we’ll be able to produce the highest quality and lowest cost aluminum forgings for our customers,” said John Dix, president of ILJIN USA.
ILJIN’s new operation will be established in an existing building in Auburn Technology Park North.
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders said, “We will continue to support and partner with ILJIN to ensure the company’s success here in Auburn. Thanks to our close collaboration with Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College, I am confident that ILJIN will find the talent it needs to run a sophisticated operation in our community.”
