Italian auto supplier to build $70 million Auburn factory, employing 130

Auburn is strengthening its position as a powerhouse for the automotive industry, as Italian manufacturer Vulcaflex S.p.A. has officially announced its first U.S. factory. The company, which specializes in high-end synthetic leathers for vehicle interiors, plans to invest nearly $70 million into a new facility that will bring 130 jobs to the region.

Strategic Growth in Auburn

Construction is already in the works as crews prep the site at Auburn Technology Park West. Vulcaflex, a family-owned business established in 1965 in Cotignola, Italy, expects this new hub to serve as a critical supplier for automotive manufacturers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

"The combination of our unique Italian design and the local production in the U.S. will allow us to grow our market alongside globally known automotive manufacturers with assembly plants in North America," said CEO Roberto Bozzi.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey welcomed the news, stating that Vulcaflex "will find the community partners, skilled workforce and business-friendly environment that continues to grow Alabama’s automotive industry."

Hiring and Development

The company is gearing up for an active recruitment phase, with plans to hire lead technicians this fall. Selected candidates will undergo specialized training at the company's main facility in Ravenna, Italy. All job openings will be posted to WorkInAuburn.com as they become available.

A Hub of Industrial Expansion

This investment is part of a larger trend of growth within Auburn’s industrial sector. Recent announcements include:

• Kamtec Auto USA, which recently unveiled plans for a $92 million factory set to hire 50 people.
• DUCK IL USA, which committed $21 million to expand its current footprint in Technology Park West.
• Vertex Innovations, which announced a $13.5 million investment to support an advanced manufacturing operation, creating 45 new jobs.