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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

DURA Automotive Systems Chooses Muscle Shoals, Alabama for Manufacturing Center

08/27/2020
DURA Automotive Systems, a global automotive supplier, will invest $59 million to open a manufacturing facility at Shoals Research Airpark in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The facility will produce battery trays for electric vehicles.

The project will create 279 direct jobs and expand the potential for Alabama’s auto industry to capitalize on the growing EV wave.

According to the state Department of Commerce, the Alabama facility extends DURA’s Southeastern manufacturing footprint and will support the company’s business development efforts as U.S. EV battery production ramps up over the next several years.

“This investment represents Dura’s commitment to support global customers in the transition to electrified, high performance vehicles,” DURA CEO Kimberly Rodriguez said. “We are delighted to extend our well-established European expertise in design and manufacturing of lightweight structural architectures to the North American market.

“I’m very excited to see DURA Automotive Systems make a significant investment in Alabama and create career opportunities for our hard-working citizens in the Shoals,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “DURA is a great addition to the network of world-class auto suppliers that is spreading across Sweet Home Alabama.”

Under the terms of the project, DURA will invest $59 million in manufacturing equipment and will lease an existing building in the Shoals Research Airpark from the Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA).

In 2019, SEDA invested $3 million on the pad and shell for the speculative building as part of its long-term economic development strategy. SEDA has agreed to partner with DURA on a $11.5 million expansion and build-out of the structure’s interior.

“This project is the culmination of a lot of hard work and vision from our community leadership. They had the forethought to invest in infrastructure and assets to allow the Shoals to compete for projects on a global scale,” SEDA President Kevin Jackson said.

“DURA Automotive Systems’ decision to locate its EV battery tray manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals reflects the expanding capabilities of the automotive supply chain for electric vehicle production in Alabama,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.“Our auto industry is focused on the future and will continue to adapt to meet all challenges.”

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