UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, a leading supplier of precision extruded aluminum automotive components and assemblies, will take over the former Walgreen distribution center in Flagstaff for a new plant that will manufacture parts for electric vehicles.
The expansion of the company based in Ludington, MI, is expected to create 120 high-paying jobs in the region over the next year and 350 within five years, said Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) President and CEO Gail Jackson.
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“UACJ Whitehall plans to invest as much as possible $ 60 million here, ”said Jackson, noting that the average wage in the company will be 60% higher than the county’s per capita income.
Company President and COO David Cooper said Flagstaff was selected because it is strategically located to serve UACJ Whitehall’s electric vehicle customers.
“Northern Arizona This makes sense to us because of the location, ease of transportation and the already well established manufacturing sector in the community, ”said Cooper. “We are also looking forward to a partnership with Northern Arizona University as our processes are highly automated and technical. “
UACJ Whitehall has started retrofitting part of the Walgreen building and is expected to hire and start operations in April.
“What a fantastic win that is Flagstaff and our north Arizona Communities, “said the governor Doug Ducey. “Our electric vehicle industry in Arizona is booming – with only other opportunities on the horizon. Thanks to UACJ Whitehall for the selection Arizona and to all of our regional and state partners for working on this exciting announcement. “
A “Core Strike Team” business attraction of the City of Flagstaff, Kinney Construction Services, Coconino County, Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), and ECoNA worked to bring the company down Flagstaff in the past five months.
“Today’s announcement is a historic investment for Northern Arizona and our entire state, ”said the President and CEO of ACA Sandra Watson. “As the industry’s leading manufacturer of EV parts, UACJ will continue to strengthen Whitehall Arizona Reputation as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. We look forward to supporting UACJ Whitehall’s growth and success in our state. “
Whitehall Industries began manufacturing precision components for the copier and printing industries in 1974. The company started aluminum extrusion for the automotive industry in 2001. In 2016 it was acquired by UACJ Corporation, a Japanese aluminum manufacturer.
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