TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says two affiliated companies in the automotive supply field will build their first U.S. production facility in Tuscaloosa, creating at least 350 new jobs by 2016.
Bentley announced the plans during a Monday morning news conference at the Tuscaloosa River Market in Tuscaloosa.
Bentley said in a statement that Purico Group and Bolta Werke GmbH, which the governor described as sister companies, will invest $39.5 million into the facility.
Once built, the Bolta Werke GmbH facility will produce parts for automotive manufacturers. The governor said those manufacturers are primarily Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance, near Tuscaloosa; and a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.
"With a new production facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Bolta will not only be able to support Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen in close proximity, but also valued Tier 1 suppliers like Rehau," Christian Falk, CEO of Bolta Werke GmbH, said in a statement from the governor's office.
"Because of the strong support from the TCIDA and the commitment from the City of Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County and the State of Alabama, Bolta feels very welcome in Tuscaloosa and is proud to have selected the right partner and location to make this expansion a success," Falk added.
Bolta Werke GmbH is based in Germany, and has been part of the Purico Group of the United Kingdom for nearly 30 years.