Samkee Corp. opens auto parts facility in Tuskegee

The South Korean auto parts maker has officially set up shop in Tuskegee with a ribbon cutting on June 17. 

The facility is a $128 million investment from Samkee and is the first from the company in the U.S. It will reportedly employ more than 170 people as it gives an economic boost to Macon County. 

“Samkee is a first-class addition to Alabama’s dynamic auto industry, and the opening of this state-of-the-art facility in Tuskegee demonstrates that the industry continues to gain horsepower in the state,” Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said.

Samkee Corp specializes in automotive aluminum components that includes parts for engines, transmissions, electric vehicles and batteries. 

It will serve as a Tier 1 supplier to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s assembly plant in Montgomery.

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“We are excited to have our first U.S. manufacturing footprint here in Tuskegee. This was only possible due to strong state and local leadership and supports from the entire community,” said Samkee Corp. CEO Chihwan Kim. “This important investment will help us continue our sustainable growth in the auto industry as well as strengthen automotive supply chain in the U.S.”

An analysis estimates that the factory will generate $140.2 million in annual economic output in Macon County, which will contribute over $37 million to the county’s GDP, said an announcement from madeinalabama.com.

Additionally, direct taxes revenues for schools and communities as result of the project are estimated at close to $1.5 million per year.

“Alabama’s rural communities offer manufacturers like Samkee all the essentials they need to find long-term success with their ventures,” said Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce. “It’s clear to me that opportunities are flourishing in the state’s rural communities, and the business world is beginning to take full advantage of the possibilities.”

Read the full announcement here.