Auburn companies’ expansions to add new jobs

Two more Auburn industries are reporting the need to expand production and hire additional employees.

Cumberland Plastic Systems LLC, an assembler of plastic components for automotive manufacturers, will add 51 new employees in the next two years, while Donaldson Company Inc., a producer of filtration solutions for various industries, will hire 25 new employees in the coming year, the city announced Tuesday.

Auburn Mayor Bill Ham Jr. shared both announcements at Tuesday’s Auburn City Council meeting. The council unanimously agreed to issue tax abatements for both companies as they expand.

The news comes on the heels of Seohan Auto USA Corporation and Seohan-NTN Driveshaft USA Corporation announcing plans to expand production at their existing Auburn facility and add about 75 employees in the next two years.

“The fact that this is our third industry expansion announcement in the last two weeks tells me we are doing something right with the companies we are recruiting,” Ham said in a statement.

The gain of additional employees from the three industries won’t immediately cover the loss of 157 Pace Industries employees when the Auburn die-casting plant closes July 20, but Auburn’s economic development director, Phillip Dunlap, said the continuous availability of new jobs in the city is a positive in these tough economic times.

“This is why we recruit small- to medium-sized industries - because they have the potential for future growth,” he said.

Cumberland based its need for more production lines to fill orders for the Kia Manufacturing Plant in West Point, Ga., which is expected to be operational later this year. The expansion is expected to be a nearly $2 million capital investment, according to a city issued press release. Donaldson wants to expand production lines at its current facility to better serve its growing customer base. Its expansion is expected to be a nearly $3.5 million capital investment, according to the city’s release.

Cumberland officials expect to begin hiring on July 15. Donaldson officials expect to begin hiring in January.

Individuals interested in jobs with either company can contact the Alabama Career Center’s Auburn-Opelika Office at 334-749-5704 or e-mail resumes to . Include the company name in the subject line.