Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced this week that 2A S.p.A., a prominent Italian die-casting company, plans to invest $15 million to expand its foundry in Auburn, where it serves as a Tier 1 supplier to major producers of automobiles and heavy trucks.
The expansion project at 2A USA in Auburn will create more than 50 jobs and double the Auburn facility’s current die-casting area.
“2A has earned a reputation for technical innovation, and its decision to expand its Alabama manufacturing operation is a testament to its skilled workforce in Auburn,” Ivey said. “We’re thrilled that this first-class company is including Alabama in its growth plans.”
2A is a family-owned company that produces parts for major automotive and truck manufacturers including Porsche, Alfa-Romeo, Maserati and Volvo Trucks.
“My father Carlo founded 2A with a clear vision of a technology and customer-driven die-casting company,” said 2A President Vincenzo Ilotte, president of the family-owned company. “We are very proud of our location in Auburn and plan to further grow our operation to serve our customers in the U.S. Without the great support from the State of Alabama and the City of Auburn; this would not have been possible.”
2A’s parent company is headquartered in Santena near Turin. It is Italy’s biggest privately owned high-pressure die-casting industrial company. It specializes in the die casting of large, complex aluminum components that are coated, machined, assembled and painted to meet customer requests.
“Alabama’s auto supply chain continues to grow in scope and sophistication as companies such as 2A expand their operations in the state,” said Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. “2A’s new investment not only positions its Auburn plant for job creation but also solidifies the company’s presence in the state.”
Die casting produces engineered metal parts by forcing molten metal under high pressure into reusable steel molds, called dies. The process allows for the production of highly accurate complex shapes that are easily replicated.
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told the Alabama Political Reporter, “2A, a respected automotive supplier with locations in Italy, the United States, and China, launched R & D programs and has developed parts ready for assembly in various OEM lines. OEMs, or original equipment manufacturer(s), produce parts and equipment that can be marketed by other manufacturers. 2A’s recent expansion in the United States will result in approximately 50 more jobs at the Auburn, Alabama facility.”
2A USA entered Alabama in 2014 when it acquired a plant operated by Aluminum Technology Schmid North America in Auburn Technology Park West. The company invested in state-of-the-art die casting and machining equipment at the facility, retaining the 95 jobs that were already there. 2A will install new equipment capable of exerting pressures on dies of between 1,000 and 2,700 tons, as well as 4,500 tons, representing the largest standard high-pressure die-casting machines on the market. The first of these machines is scheduled to be operational in March 2020.
The company’s Auburn foundry serves original equipment manufacturers including FCA Group (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Freightliner Trucks and engine maker Detroit Diesel Corp., with new customers expected to come on board.
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders welcomed 2A’s expansion.
“With this expansion, 2A is bringing even higher-level technology to its already advanced operation here in Auburn,” Anders said. “We’re pleased that they have confidence in Auburn to make such a significant additional investment and look forward to their continued success as a leader in high-pressure die-casting.”
“Through collaborative efforts between the public and private sector, our state has positioned itself as a national and global leader the automotive industry,” Nicole Jones explained. “In the past few weeks, the state of Alabama has had three major automotive industry-related announcements. 2A’s decision to expand its U.S. presence at the Auburn foundry is an important component of the automotive supply chain and is a testament to the creation of an environment conducive for business. We are looking forward to the unveiling of 2A’s new technology in March of 2020.”
The expanded plant will manufacture original equipment for manufacturers including FCA Group (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Freightliner Trucks and engine maker Detroit Diesel Corp., with new customers expected to come on board.
