Shinhwa Auto USA Corp. is investing $114 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Auburn to support production of electric vehicle parts.
The project will create an additional 50 jobs and will add 170,000 square feet to the facility in Auburn Technology Park West. This is the third expansion of the Auburn facility since Shinhwa selected the city in 2019 for its first U.S. plant.
“It’s a testament to the Auburn area’s workforce that this world-class company has once again decided to launch growth plans in Lee County,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.
South Korean company Shinhwa was established in 1995 and specializes in the production of aluminum die cast parts for automotive manufacturers. After opening in Auburn in 2020, it started making drive shafts for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Montgomery and the Kia plant in West Point, Georgia.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our business yet again, building new state-of-the-art facilities in Auburn, Alabama, where Shinhwa has a successful business operation since 2019,” said Kwi Hyun Lee, chairman of the Shinhwa Group.
Shinhwa plans to expand its die casting operations and associated processes that are required to make control arm, knuckle, carrier and motor housing covers in support of Hyundai, Kia and other automakers in the U.S.
The 50 jobs will be created over the next three years, with an average annual salary of around $48,000, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Shinhwa’s story here in Auburn is evidence of the work generations of leaders have done to make our community not only welcoming to but also fertile ground for businesses,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.
