Auto plant will locate in Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. -- SMI Auto USA, Inc. has announced the location of its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Auburn. The company will begin operations immediately in an existing facility at 155 Alabama St., located off of Pumphrey Avenue in Auburn's Industrial Park.

"Auburn is an ideal location for our business due to its proximity to Interstate 85 and the quality of life the community has to offer," said Young Dae Kwon, president of SMI. "This is an ideal region for our stamping and related engineering and service businesses. The existing facility gives us immediate ramp-up and access to the market."

SMI Auto, established in Korea, is a supplier of small stamping automobile parts used by KIA Motors. The company specializes in all work in stamping facilities. Services include machine maintenance, installation, commissioning, and total engineering. The company will initially invest an estimated $5.3 million into Auburn's economy and create approximately 50 new jobs.

Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. said, "We are pleased to welcome SMI to the ever-expanding Auburn industrial family. By utilizing an existing facility, the city and SMI both walk away winners from this investment. For the company's part, we are thrilled they can begin their hiring process and production right away. Not only will the city benefit from the immediate job creation SMI will bring, but it is also beneficial that the company was able to refurbish what could otherwise have been a vacant property for many years to come."

For more information on SMI Auto USA, Inc., please contact Hoo Lee, general manager, at (678) 770-6373 or contact the City of Auburn's Economic Development Department at 334-501-7270.