ENTERPRISE, Ala. (AP) — An automotive company is investing $12 million in an expansion that will lead to about 100 new jobs in southeast Alabama.
Gov. Robert Bentley and other officials were on hand Monday as HS Automotive Alabama Inc. broke ground for a new facility in Enterprise.
The project marks the second time the company expanded in Enterprise. HS Automotive Alabama first broke ground in August 2003 and announced an expansion three years later.
HS Automotive Alabama makes weather stripping, tubing and hoses for Chrysler, Hyundai and Kia.
The plant is located at Yancey Parker Industrial Park.
"HSAA knows what makes Alabama so successful in economic development: Alabama has the best employees in the world with a work ethic that is second-to-none," Bentley said in a statement. "We have a positive business climate, and that helps companies like HSAA expand and create more new jobs."
As part of the expansion, the company will build a 65,000 square-foot manufacturing facility, which will be located in the second phase of the Yancey Parker Industrial Complex, directly across from the company's current facility.
Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey and House Speaker Mike Hubbard also participated in Monday's ceremony.
"I am proud to see another Alabama business add good-quality, high-paying new jobs to help put our people back to work," Ivey said in a statement. "Alabama has made great strides, particularly in the last two years, to improve the economic climate so that businesses can develop and grow. HSAA is a solid economic partner, and I congratulate the company on 10 years of success."
Hubbard, R-Auburn, added: "HS Automotive Alabama, Inc., is a true Alabama success story and serves as proof that our state continues to be a great place to do business. Our pro-business focus and successful efforts to reduce red tape make it possible for announcements like today, when a business has not only chosen to call Alabama home but can continue to expand its investment and create even more jobs for the people of our state."