HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — A Japanese auto supplier is bringing its first U.S. facility to Huntsville to provide parts to the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said Tuesday the new supplier, DaikyoNishikawa US, will create 380 new jobs.
“For decades, Alabama has built strong relationships with many leading Japanese businesses, and I know that we will forge a productive, long-lasting partnership with DaikyoNishikawa,” Ivey said in the announcement. “We’re pleased that this world-class automotive supplier has selected our state for the site of its first U.S. manufacturing facility and look forward to seeing it put down roots in Sweet Home Alabama, where so many of our Japanese partners have found success.”
Al.com reports the supplier, known as DNUS, is the second major supplier to make plans to locate in north Alabama following the January 2018 announcement that MTMUS would be built in Huntsville. Ivey’s office said DNUS is the first on-site partner announced for MTMUS, a $1.6 billion joint-venture assembly plant being built on a 2,500-acre site in Limestone County.
Construction on the DNUS facility is expected to begin this summer. Once the plant begins operations to coincide with the start of MTMUS vehicle production in 2021, DNUS’ Alabama workforce will produce large resin parts such as bumpers and instrument panels.
DNUS has already established a temporary office in Huntsville and a human resources director to prepare for hiring.
“With this significant investment, the company is signaling its strong confidence in Alabama workers and the state’s business environment. I know we can build a great future together,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
Last month, Toyota Boshoku announced more than 400 jobs would come with its new facility in Athens. Canfield said at that time that more supplier announcements were in the pipeline.