Aisin USA plans $22 million in investments at two Seymour plants

The company sought and received three tax abatements from Seymour Common Council on Monday night on investments totaling nearly $22 million. Those abatements expire after 10 years.

Over the next two years, Aisin plans to add new production machinery and equipment to support Toyota’s newest Corolla, Sienna and Highlander models as well as provide parts for Cummins and Chrysler, said Betsy Cornett of Aisin’s Strategic Planning Division.

Most of the investment will take place at Plant I, located at 1700 E. Fourth St. in the Eastside Industrial Park. Besides the $19.5 million in new equipment, an additional $700,000 will be spent to replace a roof on the facility.

Jim Plump, executive director of Jackson County Industrial Development Corp., said Monday he was “pleased” to announce that the expansion will create a significant number of new jobs in Seymour.

“It will add 102 new jobs to the work force,” he said of the Plant I project, and allow the company to retain its current work force of 1,105. Aisin is Jackson County’s largest employer.

Also to accommodate production for Toyota, Aisin will add roughly $1.8 million in machinery and equipment at Plant II on Burkart Boulevard. That project will create 12 new positions and retain 300 employees.

Cornett also gave an update on 23 previously awarded tax abatements going back to 2002. She said last year, Aisin had projected $8.3 million in investment between both plants and had so far spent $2.5 million.

“But that project was not scheduled to be completed until 2013,” she said. “So by that time we expect to have hit that mark.”

Although the company hasn’t made all its promised investment from last year, it has already surpassed its employment goal by 82 people, she added.

That figure doesn’t include the 259 temporary workers that are currently employed through a hiring company, she said.

Council members lauded Aisin’s commitment to stay and grow in Seymour.

“We’re very excited and appreciate the investment,” Councilman Andy Hagedorn said.

Council President Jim Rebber, who also is chair of the industrial development committee, thanked Aisin for its continued belief in Seymour as a good place to do business.

Cornett said the company shared that sentiment

“We appreciate the continued support of the city,” she said.