IAC Investing $34M In Cottondale Expansion, Creating 119 Jobs

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced that International Automotive Components Group North America Inc. (IAC) plans to invest $34.3 million to expand its new manufacturing facility located in Tuscaloosa County — an investment that will result in 119 new jobs.

Ivey said IAC, which is a global supplier of automotive interior systems, plans to invest a total of $55.9 million in expansion projects at its two Alabama facilities, with the other site being in Anniston. In total, the company will add 182 jobs across its Alabama footprint.

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Danielle Winningham, executive director of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, praised the company for its investment, calling IAC a valued part of Tuscaloosa County’s automotive sector.

“We are grateful for IAC’s investment in our community and the career opportunities available to our area workforce as a result of their investment," she said.

The expanded Tuscaloosa County facility, located at 15911 Progress Drive in Cottondale, will produce door panels and overhead systems for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In total, Alabama has three OEMs, including Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. in Vance, with another in the Huntsville area expected to come on-line in 2021 by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA.

IAC's Anniston location primarily produces automotive interior components and systems, such as door panels, trim systems, and instrument panels for OEMs.

IAC Executive Vice President and President of IAC North America Nick Skwiat said Alabama was the logical choice for such a large-scale investment due to its skilled workforce and proximity to the customer.

“We are excited to see the continued growth of the automotive industry in Alabama and we plan to grow right along with it," he said. "We thank the Governor and Secretary [Greg] Canfield for their leadership in this sector.”

Headquartered in Luxembourg, IAC says it has more than 18,000 employees at 67 locations in 17 countries. Apart from its Alabama operations, the company also has manufacturing facilities in seven other U.S. states.