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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Japan-Based JTEKT Corporation Invests $130 Million To Expand Richland County, South Carolina, Manufacturing Campus

07/10/2014
JTEKT Corporation, a leading producer of bearings, automotive steering systems and all-wheel drive couplings with global headquarters in Nagoya, Japan, has expanded its Koyo-brand bearing manufacturing facility in Richland County, South Carolina.

The 250,000 square-foot expansion will provide JTEKT with needed capacity to manufacture automotive wheel bearing hubs for its growing U.S. customer base and is expected to create 175 new jobs in the next three years. The expansion, the second for this facility, will double its size to more than 500,000 square feet to accommodate the growing business volume of Koyo wheel bearing hubs.

Currently the facility, which opened in 1995, employs 225 people. In addition to the Richland County location, JTEKT has eight other bearing manufacturing plants in North America with all North American operations employing more than 5,400 people. In addition to a $130 million investment by JTEKT, the project was made possible with support from Governor Nikki Haley, the state of South Carolina, Richland County and the city of Blythewood.

"This expansion is a testament to the quality and dedication of our team and the trust placed in us by our customers," stated Ken Hopkins, COO, JTEKT North America. "We are excited about our current growth in automotive and industrial markets and look forward to continued opportunities where Koyo quality, capabilities and innovation are valued."

"This investment demonstrates JTEKT's commitment to the North American auto industry as well as the community and citizens of Richland County," said Hiroyuki Kaijima, CEO, JTEKT North America. "We are thankful to Governor Haley and the government municipalities for their collaboration and dedication to help us make this expansion a reality."

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