Area Development
Spartan Light Metal Products, an automotive supplier, will begin an expansion to its facility in Audrain County, Missouri. The auto supplier’s expansion project includes the creation of 88 new jobs and a capital investment of $17 million to purchase new equipment and retool the company’s growing facility.

The company plans to add 68,000 sq ft to its existing facility of which 58,000 sq ft will be dedicated to the manufacturing of two new engine components for Toyota vehicles in Mexico, Missouri. The larger space will also be up-fitted with new equipment, allowing the company to increase its capacity and casting capability. The new addition is expected to be completed and operational September of 2015.

Spartan Light Metal Products, which currently employs a workforce of 300, is a family owned aluminum and magnesium die cast manufacturing company with expertise in machining and assembly as well as design and analysis. As a global leader in light metal technology, Spartan provides engineered solutions and products to major automotive manufacturers such as Toyota, Ford, GM, Honda, and Volkswagen as well as to other commercial companies including Hydro-Gear. Spartan ships its complex cast, machined, and assembled products to locations throughout the country and to international markets.

“We are very excited to be expanding our facility in the city of Mexico, allowing us to increase our capacity and support our growing customers’ needs,” says Ted Waltemate, VP of Operations in Mexico. “Making another investment in this facility shows Spartan’s continued commitment to its customers and employees, their families, and the community.”

Spartan’s decision to deepen its roots in Missouri is another testament that we have what it takes to lead the nation in the rebirth of the automotive industry,” says Mike Downing, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “I’m proud to see more and more auto companies investing in the Show-Me State and benefitting from our highly skilled workforce and a competitive environment that helps them succeed and grow.”

To assist Spartan Light Metal Products with its expansion in Mexico, the DED has offered a strategic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria. Spartan also has manufacturing plants in Sparta, Illinois, and Hannibal, Missouri, and technical offices in Detroit, Tokyo, and Landstuhl, Germany.