Governor Robert Bentley announced on June 27th that Donghee America, Inc., plans to invest $48 Million in Auburn, creating 80 jobs.

Donghee America will manufacture fuel tanks to serve the nearby automotive industry. The company’s highly-sophisticated manufacturing process will require Donghee America to employ a large number of engineers. Hiring of key members of the operation has started.

“Alabama has a strong workforce and a positive business climate, and that helps us recruit well-paying jobs for the people of this state,” Governor Bentley said. “Alabama’s role in the automotive industry continues to grow. We are working with state and local economic developers for more good opportunities, and this announcement is a great example of what a strong economic development program can accomplish. We welcome Donghee America to Auburn and look forward to working with company leaders to help them succeed and even expand their business here in Alabama.”

Donghee America will locate at the corner of Innovation Drive and Riley Street in the Auburn Technology Park West. Site preparation for the project began in early March. Construction of the 117,000 square foot manufacturing facility is scheduled to be complete later this year.

The commitment by Donghee America will further strengthen the region’s growing automotive industry.

“I am truly convinced that Alabama is the most business-friendly state in the nation, and Donghee America’s decision to invest in Auburn proves just that,” stated Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn). “Our pro-business, pro-private sector focus has paid off and is exemplified by Alabama’s steady growth in the automobile industry. I’ve always known that Auburn was a great place for business, and I expect, thanks to the hard work of the city, county and our great citizens, that more companies will choose to call Auburn home.”

“Once again, we’re thankful for our great relationship with Governor Bentley and the State of Alabama and all that they do to benefit Alabama’s economy,” Auburn Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. said. “Donghee America is a great fit for Auburn’s industrial community and will bring innovation and high-tech jobs to our economy.”

“The NAFTA location in Alabama will allow Donghee America to better serve our customers, Hyundai and Kia,” said Chairman D.H. Lee of Donghee Group. “I appreciate the support from the State of Alabama under the leadership of Governor Bentley. We are looking forward to a prosperous and successful partnership between the State of Alabama and the Donghee Group. Soon, we will be able to say, ‘Made in Alabama!”

Earlier this year, Donghee America completed the site selection process by executing a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Auburn.

“Our special gratitude goes out to Mayor Ham and the leadership at the City of Auburn. The general conditions we find in the City of Auburn will allow for the necessary support that Donghee America will require moving forward with our state-of-the-art manufacturing operation,” said Gyung-Soo Kim, President of Donghee America.

The Governor's Press Office can be reached at (334) 242-7150.