Governor Kay Ivey recently announced that DURA Automotive Systems plans to invest $59 million to open a manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals that will produce battery trays for electric vehicles.

The Michigan-based company’s project, which includes critical support from the Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA), will reportedly create 279 direct jobs and expands the potential for Alabama’s auto industry to capitalize on the growing EV wave.

“I’m very excited to see DURA Automotive Systems make a significant investment in Alabama and create career opportunities for our hard-working citizens in the Shoals,” Ivey said in a statement.

“DURA is a great addition to the network of world-class auto suppliers that is spreading across Sweet Home Alabama,” the governor continued.

A release from the governor’s office outlined that DURA will invest $59 million in manufacturing equipment and will lease an existing building in the Shoals Research Airpark from SEDA.

This comes after SEDA last year invested $3 million on the pad and shell for the speculative building as part of its long-term economic development strategy. The authority has agreed to partner with DURA on an $11.5 million expansion and build-out of the structure’s interior.

The Yellowhammer State facility will extend DURA’s Southeastern manufacturing footprint and will support the company’s business development efforts as American EV battery production ramps up over the next several years.

“This investment represents Dura’s commitment to support global customers in the transition to electrified, high performance vehicles,” stated Kimberly Rodriguez, CEO of DURA. “We are delighted to extend our well-established European expertise in design and manufacturing of lightweight structural architectures to the North American market.”

“On behalf of Dura, we are excited to join the Muscle Shoals community and bring advanced technology jobs to the region,” she added.

This announcement comes after an EV infrastructure plan was recently developed by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Elected officials and industry leaders in the state have pointed to the Rebuild Alabama Act as a catalyst for significant economic opportunity when it comes to the emerging EV sector.

“DURA Automotive Systems’ decision to locate its EV battery tray manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals reflects the expanding capabilities of the automotive supply chain for electric vehicle production in Alabama,” commented Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Our auto industry is focused on the future and will continue to adapt to meet all challenges.”

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Source: Electric Vehicle Supplier Investing $59 Million in Alabama, Creating Almost 300 Direct Jobs Yellowhammer (August 25, 2020) Sean Ross