Dec. 28, 2020—German-based Heiche US Surface Technologies, part of the KAP Surface Technologies group, plans to buy and expand the Jasper Speculative Building in Alabama's Walker County, reports Alabama NewsCenter.
KAP employs more than 800 people across 10 operations in the United States and across Europe. The expansion planned for the automotive industry coatings plant is expected to create 73 jobs for the county.
The expansion builds on auto industry growth Alabama has experienced in recent years as Heiche becomes the fifth automotive supplier and the first German company to operate a manufacturing facility in Jasper.
“We chose Jasper because we see a huge potential for development,” said Jürgen Werner, head of Mergers and Acquisitions, as well as Greenfield Investments, at KAP Surface Technologies. “Close location to the biggest players in the automotive industry, hospitality of the local authorities and great infrastructure are some of the key aspects, which resulted in our decision for this location.”
“Alabama’s automotive industry continues to spark economic growth throughout many parts of the state, and that robust growth is transforming Jasper into a hub for international automotive suppliers,” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said. “Heiche is a welcome addition to the automotive supply chain emerging in Walker County and all across Sweet Home Alabama.”
