BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Iowa-based auto supplier Engineered Plastic Components Inc. will open a new manufacturing facility in the Birmingham region, investing $7.3 million and creating 110 jobs by the end of its third year of operations. The company has purchased a 75,144-square-foot office/warehouse facility in Leeds for its first Alabama location and the hub of its southeastern operations, which will primarily serve the nearby automotive industry. Production is expected to begin in July 2014.
“With our experience and expertise with our appliance, heavy truck and automotive customer partners, Engineered Plastic Components has built our reputation as a world-class, high-quality, low-cost leader for American based injection and blow molding,” said Reza Kargarzadeh, president and CEO of Engineered Plastic Components. “We expect to continue this tradition in Alabama as a responsible social and industrial leader in the Leeds community with a staff that will exceed 100 employees at full production.”
The Leeds facility will be dedicated to injection molding interior automotive components and assemblies. The company also plans to provide complex assemblies, full quality inspection capability, and on site project engineering. In addition to management and administrative positions, the company will seek engineers, process and maintenance technicians and hourly workers.
“The City of Leeds is delighted Engineered Plastics Components has selected our town for their new facility,” said City of Leeds Mayor David Miller. “This is a company with a long history of providing quality products and good paying jobs and we welcome Engineered Plastic Components to our area. This administration has opened Leeds’ doors to quality business and manufacturing ventures and the location of Engineered Plastics Components here certainly fits our vision for economic growth.”
Engineered Plastic Components is based in Grinnell, Iowa. It operates 14 facilities in nine U.S. states and Mexico. It is a one-stop shop for plastic injection molded products. The company provides world-class quality and manufacturing standards, state-of-the-art equipment and highly experienced engineers. Its project engineers lead clients from design feasibility, CAD design and design optimization for injection molding, MoldFlow analysis, plastic resin, appearance and surface texture, color, prototype, mold design and build to the end product and throughout production.
“The decision by Engineered Plastic Components to open an Alabama facility shows that the state continues to be an attractive destination for growing companies in the automotive industry,” Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield said. “The bottom line is that Alabama offers a skilled workforce, a top-notch job training program in AIDT and a business-friendly environment. The state is also an ideal spot for companies to locate a hub for regional operations as auto industry expansion accelerates in the Southeast.”
Engineered Plastic Components worked closely with the Alabama Department of Commerce, Birmingham Business Alliance, City of Leeds and Alabama Power Co. J. Key Properties represented the seller of the facility in Leeds.
“Engineered Plastic Components needed a location for its new Southeastern operation and found what it needed in Leeds and Jefferson County,” said Jeff Traywick, senior project manager for the Birmingham Business Alliance. “The facility size, with its capacity for future expansions, is perfect. Access to a trained, skilled workforce is a must, and combine that with tremendous support from the local community and it makes it a win-win for both the company and the community.”
The Birmingham Business Alliance is a dynamic advocate, unifying voice and constant catalyst for economic development and business prosperity for the Birmingham region.
