MONTGOMERY, Alabama – South Korean automotive supplier Kamtec Auto USA announced this week it will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn.
The new operation represents a $9.2 million investment and will create about 50 jobs over the next three years. The facility will provide advanced technical components for engine control and electric management in hybrid vehicles.
“We are excited to welcome Kamtec to Auburn and honored to be its first U.S. site,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair. “We’re confident Kamtec will find the skilled workforce and ready community partners needed to be successful.
“This is a win for Alabama and a great example of how automotive manufacturers in our state create opportunities for our communities by capturing follow-up investments by their suppliers.”
Kamtec was established in 2001 and is an affiliate of the Seohan Group headquartered in Seoul. Seohan Group has operated in Auburn since 2007. Kamtec will initially operate from a leased facility in Auburn, with plans to relocate to a newly constructed dedicated manufacturing facility to be built by Seohan Auto USA.
“On behalf of the Auburn City Council, I want to thank Kamtec leadership for selecting Auburn as the home for its new manufacturing operation,” said Mayor Ron Anders. “We recognize that private investment and the creation of quality jobs are essential to the long-term economic health of our community. Kamtec’s commitment to innovation and eco-friendly solutions aligns well with Auburn residents’ values around sustainability as well as the engineering expertise at Auburn University that is helping to shape our future. It is my pleasure to welcome the Kamtec team to Auburn.”
Kamtec Auto USA President Chang-Yeong Seo said Auburn’s proximity to Hyundai Motor’s plant in Montgomery and Kia’s plant in West Point, Georgia, will allow the company to manufacture and supply its products locally for the U.S. market.
“We look forward to partnering with Auburn University to identify talent for our technical positions,” he said. “We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the City of Auburn and the State of Alabama, and our goal is to contribute to the balanced, sustainable growth of our customers, partners, employees and the communities in which we operate.”
Future jobs will be posted at WorkInAuburn.com.
