By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
AUBURN—Alabama’s automotive manufacturing sector is set to expand once again as Italian company Vulcaflex S.p.A. announced plans to establish its first United States production facility in Auburn.
Governor Kay Ivey announced the project on June 18, saying the nearly $70 million investment is expected to create 130 jobs in Lee County. The company manufactures synthetic leather and advanced surface materials used in automotive interiors and will build its new facility at Auburn Technology Park West.
Founded in 1965 in Cotignola, Italy, Vulcaflex supplies materials for the automotive industry and serves manufacturers around the world. Company officials said the Auburn operation will allow the business to better serve customers throughout North America while expanding its presence in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Alabama is pleased to welcome Vulcaflex to its new North American home in Auburn,” Governor Ivey said. “I am confident Vulcaflex chose wisely in locating here and will find the community partners, skilled workforce,e and business-friendly environment that continues to grow Alabama’s automotive industry.”
Vulcaflex CEO Roberto Bozzi said establishing a manufacturing presence in Alabama represents an important step in the company’s growth strategy.
“The North American market is of great importance to our company,” Bozzi said. “The combination of our unique Italian design and local production in the U.S. will allow us to grow our market alongside globally known automotive manufacturers with assembly plants in North America.”
Company President Massimiliano Bozzi said Auburn stood out early in the site-selection process because of the community’s leadership and economic development support.
“My brother and I, as well as our team, felt at home in Auburn the moment we met the local leadership and as we started to interact with the economic development team,” he said. “The community has everything we need to establish a successful operation.”
The project was developed with assistance from the Alabama Department of Commerce’s European Office. Construction preparations are already underway at the Auburn Technology Park West site. According to Auburn officials, the company plans to begin recruiting lead technicians this fall, with selected employees receiving training at Vulcaflex’s headquarters facility in Italy.
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders credited a partnership among state and local leaders, educational institutions,s and utility providers for helping secure the investment.
“We are grateful that the Bozzi family selected Auburn for their home in North America and are excited for the opportunities this partnership brings to our city, citizens,s and local businesses,” Anders said.
The announcement adds another international manufacturer to Alabama’s growing automotive industry and further strengthens Auburn’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and economic development.
