Japan-based aluminum parts manufacturer UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, known as UWH, will expand its manufacturing facility in Paducah, Kentucky. The company plans to invest $3.3 million and create up to 50 full-time jobs.

The 56,000 square-foot expansion will provide space for new machining centers, robotics and additional fabrication equipment. Many of the new employees could be in place late this year, with all 50 positions filled by July 2018. UWH currently employs 140 people. The plant manufactures and assembles precision aluminum parts, including sunroof tracks and structural components.

Steve Gray, Vice President of Operations at UWH North America, said the United States automotive trend toward light weighting is creating more demand for aluminum components, which help improve fuel economy.

“UWH has a solid reputation for being able to produce precision aluminum parts and assemblies to the automotive industry. The combination of UWH’s capabilities and the significantly increased demand has created the need for additional fabrication capacity,” Gray said. “The Kentucky and Paducah workforce has been a very positive impact on UWH’s continued success and has continued to growth over the past three years. This, coupled with the generous incentives offered by the State of Kentucky and the City of Paducah made it a great option for our expansion.”

The Paducah plant, previously owned by Michigan-based SRS Industries, began production in December 2013 and officially opened in June 2015. Tokyo-based UACJ Corp., one of the world’s largest aluminum suppliers, bought SRS a year ago.

UACJ supplies aluminum rolled products, extrusions, foil, castings and forgings in Japan, Europe, Asia and North America. It is a partner in multiple Kentucky operations, including Constellium-UACJ in Bowling Green, Logan Aluminum in Russellville and Tri-Arrows Aluminum in Louisville.

“UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries is growing quickly, and this latest project underscores the strength of Kentucky’s advanced manufacturing industry. The demand for Kentucky-made products is increasing, and UACJ’s decision to continue investing in Kentucky will position its McCracken County plant for current and future success,” said Governor Matt Bevin.