Germany-based Quaprotek USA has announced plans to to locate a new manufacturing facility in Ripley, TN, to produce metal parts for vehicles, engines and power trains used by leading automotive industry manufacturers. The company will invest $22 million to fit out a 63,000-sq.-ft. existing building in Lauderdale County, and plans on creating 126 jobs over a five-year period

"I'm very pleased with our company's decision to make Tennessee our newest home," said Klaus Kielwein, general manager of Quaprotek Group. "Our company's name stems from its commitment to quality, productivity and technology, and I'm convinced our Ripley location will become an important asset in meeting the needs of our customers." Quaprotek will begin by occupying temporary space in the Volz Road building in Ripley, and the majority of its hiring will occur in the second half of 2012.

"Quaprotek realized our outstanding labor force, infrastructure and overall pro-business environment will help them achieve success in the county," said Lauderdale County Mayor Rod Schuh. "I couldn't be happier at how the state and our communities worked together to make this happen."

Hagerty also expressed thanks to the German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. for its work in facilitating the site selection process for Quaprotek.

"The economic and cultural ties between Germany and the state of Tennessee continue to grow," said Thomas Schwegmann, director of consulting services, German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. "We're grateful for being able to play a role in that success."