Inoac Group North America LLC, a subsidiary of Japan-based Inoac Corp., will invest $13.7 million to expand its operations in Springfield, Ky. to supply products for Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville.
"Inoac is excited to continue our strong relationship with Ford and the Kentucky Truck Plant with this significant investment," Roger Dawes, president of Inoac Group North America said in a Nov. 9 news release.
The expansion is expected to create 49 full-time jobs, including production operators, team leaders and quality and material handling positions. the release said. The investment includes new equipment and technology and building upgrades.
The project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2022, it said.
Inoac did not immediately respond to request for comment by Plastics News.
"This project will support our continued growth in this region, building on our longstanding relationship with Ford and the Springfield community," Dawes said.
Inoac Group North America, which currently employs more than 330 people at the Springfield plant, manufactures thermoset, thermoplastic, elastomeric and other products.
Inoac Corp., produces interior products for automotive customers including Ford, Toyota and Honda. Its products include instrument panels, interior trim, armrests, headrests, noise, vibration and harshness components and seat cushioning.
It also manufactures materials for the packaging, consumer products, medical, electrical, construction, industrial machinery and IT equipment markets.