By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Monday, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) announced that Purico Group and Bolta Werke GmbH were building their first U.S. production facility in Tuscaloosa.
The two sister companies announced at a news conference that they will invest $39.5 million into the facility creating over 350 new jobs by 2016. The Bolta Werke GmbH facility will produce parts for automotive manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance and Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Governor Bentley said, “Alabama has a positive business climate and the best workforce you can find. I appreciate Bolta for making this investment. On the state and local levels, we are committed to helping Bolta succeed.”
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield (R) said, “The quality of our workforce is a great match with the quality of the products manufactured by Bolta. We welcome Bolta as the newest member of the Alabama automotive family, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship between the State of Alabama and Bolta Werke GmbH.”
The CEO of Bolta Werke GmbH, Christian Falk said, “With a new production facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Bolta will not only be able to support Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen in close proximity, but also valued Tier 1 suppliers like Rehau. Because of the strong support from the TCIDA and the commitment from the City of Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County and the State of Alabama, Bolta feels very welcome in Tuscaloosa and is proud to have selected the right partner and location to make this expansion a success.”
Bolta Werke GmbH was founded in 1921 and is based in Nuremberg, Germany. The company has been part of the Purico Group of the United Kingdom for almost 30 years. Bolta makes specially-molded plastic parts and chrome-plated surfaces for premium automotive manufacturers, including Mercedes and Volkswagen.
The executive director of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority (TCIDA), Dara Longgrear said, “Tuscaloosa County is strategically located in the heart of one of the most productive and emerging regions in North America. Due to the location advantages of Tuscaloosa County, manufacturing and industrial leaders have been able to maintain successful enterprises in this area. Furthermore, they have found a workforce and a business-minded community that supports and facilitates the success companies need in today’s economy.”
Governor Bentley said, “Recently, Area Development magazine ranked Alabama as one of the top five states for doing business – for the fourth year in a row. Our labor climate, our workforce development programs and our overall business environment helped us achieve this ranking. I’m proud that Bolta is joining us, and I’m proud that even more great products will be ‘Made in Alabama.’”
