Auto supplier IAC Group North America Inc. is investing more than $55.9 million in expansion projects, creating 182 jobs at two Alabama facilities.
IAC, with U.S. offices in Southfield, Mich., and global headquarters in Luxembourg, will use $34.3 million in capital investment to expand its new manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa County, which will produce door panels and overhead systems for carmakers and create 119 jobs, an Oct. 20 news release said.
IAC also plans to invest $21.6 million in its manufacturing facility in Anniston, which produces door panels, trim systems and instrument panels, creating 63 jobs, it said.
"The project builds on a milestone 2014 expansion that doubled the size of the Calhoun County facility, whose primary product is automotive interior components and systems," the release added.
"Alabama was the logical choice due to its skilled workforce and proximity to the customer," Nick Skwiat, IAC executive vice president and president of IAC North America, said in the release. "We are excited to see the continued growth of the automotive industry in Alabama and we plan to grow right along with it. We thank the governor and Secretary Canfield for their leadership in this sector."
IAC did not immediately respond to inquiry for comment by Plastics News.
The supplier filed mass layoff notices in mid-March for three North American plants, resulting in permanent job loss for 622 employees.
IAC is ceasing some operations at its Michigan plants due to ending a product cycle with one of its customers, a spokesperson for the group told Plastics News at the time, and none of the layoffs were tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.