Autoneum expansion in Jeffersonville to add 133 jobs by 2021

The Jeffersonville Plan Commission approved a development plan at its meeting Tuesday night for a 144,000-square foot addition to Autoneum’s approximately 305,000-square-foot facility at Jeffersonville.

An architect for the plan, Scott Moser, said at the meeting that he had heard estimates that the expansion would bring 50 jobs to the area, but the reality was double that. 

The expansion will add manufacturing equipment and increase shipping capabilities at Autoneum to accommodate for a business deal between the plant and Ford Motor Co., a current customer of Autoneum’s, said Jay Peterson, the plant manager for the Jeffersonville factory. 

“It’s a very exciting time for our plant,” he said. 

Autoneum will manufacture two products for Ford in its new area: non-woven carpets and wheel outer liners. 

Autoneum, which started production in River Ridge in 2016, set aside plans for expansion in 2014, but only expected to add on 111,00 square feet, said Moser on Tuesday. But Ford Motor Co.’s program with Autoneum ended up expanding more than was originally expected, Peterson said. 

Autoneum’s shipping area will almost double as part of the expansion. 

Peterson said the expansion is “good for” Autoneum’s workforce. The Jeffersonville plant currently employs approximately 210 people. Starting in 2018, Autoneum will begin hiring more workers — a process that will “ramp up” over time. 

The jobs will include production positions, as well as manufacturing support jobs, such as shipping, maintenance and quality positions. 

Autoneum provides “competitive” compensation for employees, Peterson said. 

Work on the expansion began last month and is expected to be completed in early 2018. 

Peterson said that Autoneum doesn't have plans for further expansion at the Jeffersonville plant at this time, but it's something that could be considered in the future.

“As we move forward and in the coming years, we will always keep that option open,” he said.