Area Development
Germany-based Winkelmann Group, a high-tech manufacturer serving the aerospace industry and other industrial sectors, will invest $12 million to establish a metal forming operation in Auburn, Alabama. The company expects to create approximately 50 jobs over the next five years.

“With the North America operation, my team will be able to better serve the aerospace and defense industry, as well as the commercial automotive and oil and gas industry in the U.S.,” CEO Heinrich Winkelmann said.

“Our flow-forming engineering and manufacturing knowhow combined with the one-of-a-kind machinery equipment installed at our Auburn facility creates solutions for our customers, who demand and deserve only the highest quality,” he added.

According to officials, the core competency of Winkelmann Flowform Technology focuses on high-precision, high-strength, thin wall roto-symmetrical parts from all kind of metals, including titanium and high-strength steel. The combination of technical engineering capabilities with in-house manufacturing processes guarantees high-quality, precise, near net shape designs.

The company’s choice of Auburn opens the door for potential collaboration with Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.

Dr. Chris Roberts, Dean of Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, said, “There are numerous areas where some of our departments, including mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering and materials engineering, will be able to assist the company with its operation in Auburn.

Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said “Winkelmann’s impressive capabilities add another dimension to Alabama’s robust aerospace sector, and we’re happy that the company picked Auburn as the home of its first U.S. production facility,” he added.