ILJIN Expands into Aluminum Forging with $100 Million Investment in Alabama
ILJIN, a leading South Korean manufacturer of automotive and industrial bearings and chassis components, is making a major move into the aluminum forging market to expand its production capabilities. The company plans to invest nearly $100 million in a new forging facility in Auburn, Alabama, aimed at increasing its output of aluminum components.
The new facility, to be established at Auburn Technology Park North, will create approximately 160 jobs. The raw aluminum forgings produced at the site will be transported to ILJIN's facility in Greer, South Carolina, for final processing. This transition to aluminum will enable the production of stronger, lighter components, resulting in safer and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Historically focused on steel forging, ILJIN has been a key supplier of control arms, stabilizer links, and ball joints for major automotive manufacturers. The new Auburn facility will enhance ILJIN's capacity for U.S.-based production and facilitate the manufacturing of forged aluminum control arms, allowing the company to better serve the growing demand for lightweight, high-performance components in the U.S. automotive market.
Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama emphasized the significance of this development for the state, stating, "ILJIN's decision to establish its next facility in Auburn is a significant milestone for Alabama. As the fifth-largest vehicle producer in the U.S., Alabama's continued growth in the automotive supplier sector is vital for creating sustainable jobs across the state."
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders added, "We greatly value ILJIN's investment in our community. With support from the state of Alabama and collaboration with Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College, we are confident that ILJIN will find the skilled workforce it needs to succeed."
Founded in 1973, ILJIN is a global leader in the manufacturing of bearings and chassis components, serving the rail, automotive, and industrial sectors. The company is also the world's largest producer of GEN3 wheel bearings, demonstrating its commitment to quality and innovation in critical industries.
