Two Automotive Suppliers to Create Jobs in LaGrange

Monday, September 10, 2007

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

 

Pretty Products, DaeLim USA to create a total of more than 200 jobs

 

ATLANTA— Governor Sonny Perdue announced today two automotive suppliers will create a total of more than 200 jobs in LaGrange in preparation for the Kia Motors plant that is being constructed in nearby West Point.

“Georgia continues to be a magnet for automotive suppliers in the wake of last year’s Kia announcement,” Governor Perdue said. “Our strong workforce and low cost of doing business make it good business sense for automotive manufacturers to choose West Georgia.”

Ohio-based floor mat manufacturer Pretty Products will expand its current production in LaGrange, creating an estimated 130 jobs and investing $6.5 million. A newly formed corporation purchased both Pretty Products Inc., located in Coshocton, Ohio, and LaGrange Molded Products Inc. earlier this year and will add the jobs over the next two years to the current workforce of 210. The company is in the process of upgrading the current facility to manufacture rubber floor mats for the automotive industry.

“We decided on LaGrange because it’s cost effective to do business here, our facility has the latest in extrusion technology and the availability of a qualified workforce,” said Jeff Willis, chairman and CEO of Pretty Products. “We’ve also been impressed by the potential to expand even further. With Kia locating just down the road, we hope to take advantage of the growing market here.”

Pretty Products LLC is a joint venture between Jeffrey K. Willis and Oliver Isaac.  Together, the new owners have over 30 years of experience in the automotive supply industry. 

“We are confident that we can continue the strong history of manufacturing high quality OEM (original equipment manufacturing) and aftermarket automotive accessories, including products such as Rubber Queen floor mats and cargo mats,” said Oliver Isaac, president and COO.

Also today, DaeLim USA is announcing that it has selected LaGrange as the location for a new manufacturing facility. DaeLim USA plans to construct a 90,000-square-foot injection molding and assembly plant on a 25-acre parcel of land in the Jim Hamilton Industrial Park. The automotive components facility is scheduled to start operation in mid-2008 and expects to employ 75 people.

DaeLim USA is a division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc., an Illinois-based global manufacturer which operates thirteen other divisions in Georgia. DaeLim USA’s new facility will bring ITW’s employment in Georgia to approximately 700.

DaeLim USA and Pretty Products join Hyundai Mobis as automotive suppliers announcing locations recently in West Georgia. Hyundai Mobis announced in August that it will locate a facility on the Kia site in West Point, creating 600 jobs and investing $60 million by 2010. The Kia facility, its first in the U.S., is scheduled to begin production in 2009 and produce 300,000 vehicles a year.

“This is more evidence that the Kia plant’s location in West Point will be an economic catalyst for the entire region,” said Diethard Lindner, chairman of the Development Authority of LaGrange. “These companies are well-regarded and will be an important part of our community in the years to come.”