Auto supplier Kamtek announced has plans to invest $530 million in an expansion of its Birmingham, Ala., operation that includes opening a new aluminum casting facility to meet automaker demands for lighter parts.
Kamtek, whose parent company is Canada-based Magna International, says the expansion project will add 354 jobs to its current Alabama workforce of more than 900. Kamtek primarily produces stamped parts for Mercedes-Benz and other automakers at its Jefferson County facility. As part of its latest expansion, Kamtek will invest $80 million in the new, 148,00-square-foot aluminum casting facility and $450 million to expand its existing operation in Birmingham’s Valley East Industrial Park.
Kamtek General Manager John Hackett said the new aluminum casting facility and the expansion of the company’s existing plant “demonstrates our ongoing commitment to our customers,” which include Mercedes, Volkswagen and other automakers.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the local government in creating jobs and positioning ourselves for future business,” Hackett added.
Frank Ervin, director of government affairs for Magna International, said Kamtek’s current operation in Jefferson County represents investment approaching $473 million. Kamtek acquired Ogihara, which opened the facility, in 2008 and has re-invested heavily in the operation over the years. It now plans to expand its existing facility by 201,000 square feet.