The Lake Martin area has the skilled workforce that Tier 1 suppliers need
Automotive Industry Suppliers STORY BY LONNA UPTON
The Lake Martin area has become a thriving center for the manufacturing of auto parts, making this community part of the fast-growing automotive supplier industry in Alabama. Vehicles are Alabama’s number one export, according to Made in Alabama, but 24,000 jobs are attributed to the auto parts manufacturing. Of the approximately 150 automotive parts companies in the state, three are located in Tallapoosa County and employ more than a thousand local residents. Specifically because of the growth in the automotive industry in Alabama, C&J Tech Alabama, Inc., opened a 242,000-square-foot facility in Alexander City in 2011 and currently employs 231 people. C&J manufactures and sells plastic injection molding parts for Tier 1 automotive suppliers. In 2007, KwangSung American Company opened in Alexander City. Employing 355 people, the company manufactures and sells more than 200 different types of auto parts for Kia, Hyundai and Mazda models. Manufactured parts include floor housing, molding, air ducts, trim, cover fenders and bridge consoles, among others. SL-America established a plant in Dadeville in 2003 and produces all kinds of lamps for automotive use, including headlamps, rear lamps, fog lamps and CHMSLs. The company leads the market with highquality LED lamps and advanced automotive lighting
systems. The company also produces auto/manual shifters, pedals and park brake levers for a variety of car models all around the world, as well as e-shifters using shifter-by-wire technology. In addition, SL provides turn signal/power folding outside mirrors and inside mirrors that include special features, including camera display. The Around View Monitoring system uses four cameras installed at the front, rear and sides of the vehicle provide 360-degree imaging to help prevent accidents by eliminating blind spots. Sejin America, Inc., located in Dadeville in 2008 to be accessible to customers and for the labor and education level of the population. The automotive supply manufacturer employs 380 people in two facilities covering 206,000 square feet and 148,000 square feet. The company manufactures plastic interior trim pieces, such as consoles and glove boxes, for Hyundai, Hyundai Mobis, Kia and Volkswagen. To supply the workforce for the growing automotive-related industries in the area, Central Alabama Community College recently hired a Dean of Workforce and Economic Development. Michael Barnette acts as a liaison between existing and potential industries to ensure a properly trained workforce for automotive, marine and other industries.
WE MAKE IT GREAT HERE! | FEBRUARY 2022
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