Tigerpoly Manufacturing, Inc. plans to expand its operations in metro Columbus, Ohio. The company plans to invest more than $10.7 million and create 40 new jobs.

Tigerpoly is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tigers Polymer Corporation, which is located in Osaka, Japan. The manufacturer of rubber and plastic parts for the automotive industry announced hiring for material handlers, production and quality assurance positions will begin in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The company is shifting its focus to domestic production capacity due to recent increases in customer activity, the geographical expansion of its customer base and changing demand, according to Columbus 2020.

Tigerpoly will use this new investment to add 105,000 square feet to its current facility at 6231 Enterprise Parkway in Grove City. The company will also purchase new machinery and equipment to expand its current capabilities and position the company for future growth. After evaluating locations in the Southeast to help grow its production footprint, Tigerpoly decided to expand in Grove City, which has been home to the company’s only U.S. production facility for mass-producing rubber and plastic automotive parts since 1987. Tigerpoly currently employs 395 full-time employees in the Columbus Region.

“Expanding in Grove City allows us to leverage our longstanding commitment to the Columbus Region,” said Tigerpoly Senior Operations Manager Tim Vanover. “The Columbus Region is already home to a robust automotive industry and friendly business climate, allowing us to remain in a cost-competitive market from both a geographical and labor perspective.”

“Grove City offers locally-based companies like Tigerpoly stability and longevity, which are important elements for success in the automotive sector,” said Grove City Mayor Ike Stage. “The company has been a key employer in our community for more than 30 years and its additional $10 million investment will ensure it continues to have a positive impact on the Columbus Region’s economy.”

“Tigerpoly’s investment is an example of how Japanese companies are choosing to come to Ohio while continuing to grow here,” said Governor DeWine. “The expansion will create 40 new jobs in the Columbus Region, where Tigerpoly will invest in the latest manufacturing technology to support its growing customer base.”