South Korean-based automotive supplier Sungwoo Hitech will invest $40 million to locate its first U.S. manufacturing operations, Sungwoo Hitech America Corp., in Telford, Tennessee. The project is expected to create 117 jobs.

The company has purchased the former Alo Tennessee building in the Washington County Industrial Park. The facility will produce bumpers, rear components and side framing for customers including General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and BMW. Renovations on the 380,000-square-foot facility are underway and manufacturing is slated to begin in early 2022.

“Sungwoo Hitech has experienced significant growth, and we are excited to now bring our first production facility to the U.S., in particular, Washington County, Tennessee. The support that we have received from the local, county and state government and from many others has been astounding. This is our first plant in the United States, but we see this as a stepping stone for future growth. We plan to invest and grow in this region and make a positive impact to the community,” Suk Je Lee, CEO, president, Sungwoo Hitech America said.

“We welcome Sungwoo Hitech America to Tennessee and appreciate the company’s decision to call Washington County home to its first U.S. manufacturing operations. This $40 million investment will bolster our state’s reputation as a leader in automotive manufacturing while providing nearly 120 job opportunities in Northeast Tennessee,” Governor Bill Lee said.

Sungwoo Hitech Co., Ltd. manufactures automotive parts, such as bumper rails, side members, and dash panels. The company supplies its products to Hyundai Motors.

“South Korean companies employ nearly 3,500 Tennesseans, and of that, more than 1,000 are employed in the manufacturing industry. We want to thank Sungwoo Hitech America for choosing to locate in Telford and congratulate the company for becoming the first Korean-owned manufacturing facility in Washington County,” noted TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe.