Two companies with Auburn plants recently changed hands, and with some work, kept the jobs in Auburn.
Auburn-based Light Alloy Wheels Alabama was bought by German-based Borbet Group, the City of Auburn announced July 16. They’ll keep the more than 200 employees working at the Technology Park North plant.
Also on July 16, the Auburn die-casting Leggett & Platt plant was sold, along with similar plants across the country, to Kenner & Company. The plant, now under the name Pace Industries, will keep the same 187 employees and management they had at the Auburn plant, CEO Scott Bull said. “If anything, it’s going to get larger,” said Michael Bakaric, vice president of manufacturing. Pace President Dan Hebert said the change in ownership was “a change in who’s got the bank account. The company hasn’t changed.” Auburn Economic Development Director Phillip Dunlap said his office was pleased with the two companies’ outcomes.
“In both cases, it results in more solid companies with access to (capital), and we’re very excited about it,” Dunlap said. “…Companies are like people. They change. Things change.” Dunlap said his office worked with Borbet, encouraging them to keep the jobs in Auburn. “If you look at Pace and Borbet, between the two projects, they employ almost 500 people,” Dunlap said. “So, that’s 500 jobs we ensured are going to remain in the Auburn market. That’s a significant employment number.” Add to that the announcement that Korean-based SMI Auto will start manufacturing auto parts for Kia in Auburn, and “we had a pretty good week,” Dunlap said.
For full statements from each company, visit the city’s Web site at www.auburnalabama.org.
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