ThyssenKrupp Materials North America, a subsidiary of a German-based multinational corporation, is investing $13 million to build a materials processing and distribution center in Woodstock, Alabama, with plans to employ up to 45 workers.

ThyssenKrupp, a provider of production materials and integrated service solutions for the North American market, and a sister company ThyssenKrupp Steel USA, will build its manufacturing facility at Scott G. Davis Industrial Park in Bibb County, south of Birmingham, Alabama, under the company's Coil Processing Group.

The materials processing and distribution center will include a 100,000 square foot craned building, with four lines for processing materials such as carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel. Its end products will be distributed to various Ken-Mac Metals and ThyssenKrupp Steel Services customers, including manufacturers of automobiles, heavy trucks and truck trailers, home appliances and HVAC equipment. The plant can be expanded by 150,000 square feet, taking into account the potential for future infrastructure improvements.

"The decision to locate our Coil Processing Group's newest processing and distribution center in Alabama reflects the economic vitality and extensive opportunities that exist in the southern United States," said Hans-Josef Hoss, President and CEO of ThyssenKrupp Materials North America.

"Many of our top customers, including Original Equipment Manufacturers, have plants and facilities in Alabama and the surrounding states and require just-in-time processing and delivery. Our goal is to further enhance their supply chains by building this new facility right here in Woodstock," he added.

Hoss expressed his appreciation to both state and county officials, who provided the company with an incentive package that included funds contingent on job creation, as well as infrastructure development assistance that will provide road and rail access to the facility. "We have been very fortunate to receive the support of state and county officials. I think they appreciate the positive impact our and other ThyssenKrupp companies have on this great state, and recognize our commitment to investing and growing in Alabama. We appreciate their support," he continued.

Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said the announcement is a win for the state on more than one front, because not only does the company supply the automotive sector, it represents the first international investment in Bibb County in a number of years.

"Alabama has a distinct advantage in attracting OEMs, suppliers and companies which are involved in automotive-related research activities," Canfield said. "The state has several universities--Auburn University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville-- that are participants in the Automotive Research Alliance. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers can use the resources and training programs of the universities to advance technology as well as manufacturing solutions."