Auto parts manufacturer to build $20 million plant

200 jobs coming to Williamson County

By Jim Obert

Business Today

MARION, Ill. -- The economy of Southern Illinois got a positive jolt March 30 when an auto parts manufacturer said it would build a $20 million auto parts plant just outside Marion city limits

Officials of Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc. of Seymour, Ind., said the new plant will employ about 200 people by the end of 2002.

Aisin is a leading manufacturer of automotive components that include brake systems, seat adjusters, sunroofs, door latching systems, door sashes, exterior trim molding and door frames.

Marion Mayor Robert Butler said site work is expected to begin in late spring or early summer.

"Right now we're in the process of building a temporary road to the site. The company wants to begin production by the first of July of 2002," said Butler.

The Aisin plant will produce components for Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Nissan and other auto makers.

The 150,000-square-foot plant will be built on about 40 acres in the new 280-acre REDCO Industrial Park, which is located north of Illinois Route 13, west of Skyline Drive and east of Williamson County Airport.

Butler said REDCO, which stands for Regional Economic Development Corp., was instrumental in bringing the company to Williamson County.

REDCO was founded in 1999 as a development entity by the city of Marion and the Greater Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. In May 2000 the cities of Herrin and Carterville and their chambers of commerce joined the corporation. Other members are the Williamson County Board of Commissioners , the Williamson County Airport Authority, Southern Illinois University, John A. Logan College and area banks.

"Many people were involved in bringing the company to the new industrial park," said Butler. "We think that once Aisin begins construction other companies will be looking at building in the park."

Infrastructure for the plant will include sewer service from Marion and water service from Herrin. The Illinois Department of Transportation is providing funding for the access road into REDCO Industrial Park.

According to a statement issued by Gov. George Ryan, the state will provide training funds, tax credits and other benefits to the company, which will be located in an enterprise zone.

Aisin USA Manufacturing had net sales of $445.6 million in 2000.