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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Japan-Based Douglas Autotech Invests $14.1 Million To Expand Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Manufacturing Plant

02/10/2015
Douglas Autotech Corp. plans to expand its operations in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The manufacturer of automotive controls, steering columns and shifters is expected to invest $14.1 million in its project and create up to 115 jobs – a more than 30 percent increase of its workforce in Christian County, in the southwestern region of The Bluegrass State.

Douglas Autotech, a subsidiary of Japan-based Fuji Kiko Co. LTD, has two North American plants – one in Hopkinsville and a second in Michigan. The Hopkinsville plant opened in 1995 and currently employs more than 230 people. The new jobs will be added over the next three years. The company also will invest in new equipment to improve safety and quality performance at the 116,000-square-foot plant on Commerce Court.

“Douglas Autotech accepts the opportunity to continue to partner with our customers, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Hopkinsville on workforce development and continued growth,” said Douglas Autotech Plant Manager Todd Thomas. “We are pleased with the talented workforce in Hopkinsville and the support provided by the surrounding community. We also commend Kentucky for developing and executing incentives designed to bring industrial growth to the Commonwealth. This growth secures many more years of stable work opportunity for Douglas Autotech and its employees.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in Christian County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $3 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

“This is an outstanding day for Hopkinsville and the Commonwealth,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “I’m thrilled Kentucky could partner with Douglas Autotech to make this possible and bring 115 new jobs to the area. The automotive industry is a key component of our economy, and Douglas Autotech adds to the strength and success of the industry in the state.”

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