Area Development
Hansens Aluminum, a South African-based automotive parts maker, will invest $18.4 million to locate an aluminum extrusion manufacturing plant at the Henderson County Riverport in Henderson, Kentucky. The company plans to hire 90 associates.

The proposed plant that could encompass up to 75,000 square feet, which will supply customers in the U.S. and Mexico, could start producing automotive components by the end of 2017.

Public Radio station WKMS said Hansens is the first South African company to take advantage of the Foreign Direct Investment incentive in Kentucky. Local government officials praised the move saying the high-paying manufacturing jobs will give the community an economic boost.

“We see great opportunities to supply our existing customers from Kentucky and to add new clients. The Henderson operation will expand our global capacity and allow us to add new automotive products to our range,” said Jared Pudney, Hansens Business Development Manager.

“The support we have experienced at a local and state level from both elected officials and economic developers has been truly exceptional. This certainly influenced our decision towards Kentucky,” he added.

Dave Tatman, Director of the Kentucky Automotive Industry Association said the plant will be an asset to the region and state. Hansens commitment is evidence of the strength of the automotive industry in the Commonwealth.