Area Development
Japan-based Yorozu Corp., a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, plans to invest more than $100 million to build an advanced metal stamping facility on a 50-acre site at Jasper Industrial Park in Jasper, Alabama. The company plans to create 300 jobs in the region.

YAA, which will operate the plant as a subsidiary of Yorozu America Corp., will supply several auto assembly plants with suspensions and other components. Construction at the Jasper site is expected to begin by January 2016, with completion scheduled for a year later. Production at the new Alabama facility is expected to start in July 2017.

“With the goal of expanding sales and after considerable evaluation of multiple site options, Yorozu Corporation and Yorozu America are excited to announce our plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Jasper, Alabama,” Yorozu America President Jack Phillips said. “This plant will utilize state-of-the-art technology with respect to production automation and logistics automation. It is the aim of the Yorozu group for this plant to be the No. 1 suspension parts production facility in the world.”

“Yorozu is making a significant investment in Jasper and forming a great partnership with the state of Alabama,” Governjor Robert Bentley said. “Automotive manufacturing is a significant industry in Alabama, and the 300 new jobs is a welcomed opportunity for citizens of Jasper and Walker County to obtain a good job with Yorozu. The Alabama workforce is strong, and will be a great partner with Yorozu to make it successful. I appreciate the local and state teamwork that went into recruiting Yorozu to Jasper.”

David Knight, Executive Director of the Walker County Development Authority, said “Walker County’s close proximity to multiple automotive OEM’s, direct access to Interstate 22 and a high-quality labor force provided key advantages during the site selection process.”