Monday, December 17, 2007
Supplier announces location
Auburn’s 44th manufacturer announced its new location Tuesday morning.
February 28, 2007
Auburn’s 44th manufacturer announced its new location Tuesday morning.
Seohan Group joined Gov. Bob Riley and city officials on the front steps of the state Capitol to announce the new location of Seohan Auto USA and Seohan Driveshaft USA in Auburn. The two automotive suppliers are part of the Seohan Group, which is based in Korea.
“These companies are yet another example of the quality businesses that Alabama is able to recruit thanks to our excellent workforce, strong partnerships with local communities and a booming economy,“ Riley said. “I am proud to welcome Seohan to Alabama and am confident they will find great success in our state.“
Riley and Auburn officials were joined by Yong-Suk Kim, Seohan Group CEO.
“Seohan plans to create approximately 200 jobs and (a combined) $40 million in capital investment at our facility,“ Kim said. “We are pleased to bring this automotive company to the people of Auburn and we will work together to bring us great success.
“We are particularly honored to be associated with the State of Alabama, Lee County and the City of Auburn,“ Kim concluded. “We are very optimistic about the outlook for our business.“
Phillip Dunlap, Auburn’s director of economic development, said the area will definitely feel Seohan’s impact.
“I think that what happens at an announcement is the tip of the iceberg,“ Phillip Dunlap said. “This is a first-class company, a high-quality supplier. It’s just another example of the type of companies we recruit (in Auburn).“
Seohan manufactures front and rear axles for Montgomery’s Hyundai plant. The companies will jointly occupy a 250,000-square-foot building in Auburn’s Industrial Park, on the corner of Pumphrey Avenue and Webster Road.
Construction of the new facility is expected to begin immediately, and production is scheduled to begin by the end of the year. Seohan Group will be hiring engineers soon and begin staffing the facility with the help of the Alabama Industrial Development Training office later this summer.
“Years ago I didn’t foresee the automotive industry as being as big as it is in Alabama,“ said Auburn Mayor Bill Ham. “Through the state’s efforts and governor’s efforts we’ve been able to make this a regional industry for us. It’s a big deal for Alabama and certainly a big deal for Lee County.“
Ham said that with the Hyundai facility in Montgomery and the Kia plant coming to west Georgia, east Alabama will continue to see, between the state capitals, more and more demand for automotive suppliers.
“Throughout east Alabama and now the Southeast, it’s going to continue to become a part of our daily lives,“ said Ham.