Business News

U.S. Farathane will supply plastic components for GM and Ford vehicles
Missouri’s automotive supplier industry continued its growth today as Gov. Jay Nixon, along with local leaders and company executives, announced that leading plastic manufacturer U.S. Farathane will open its first Missouri production facility in Riverside. The $51.6 million expansion is expected to create 267 jobs over the course of three years.

“As a top state for vehicle production, Missouri continues to attract auto-suppliers from around the country looking to create good-paying jobs for families in this region,” said Gov. Nixon. “The work we put into helping GM and Ford invest and create jobs in the Show-Me State continues to pay off as we welcome U.S. Farathane to Missouri, where they join our strong network of auto-suppliers here in Riverside, and throughout the state.”

Based in Auburn, Mich., U.S. Farathane has been a leading source of plastic manufacturing, supplying the automotive industry for over 40 years. Designing and producing highly engineered plastic injection-molded components for both functional and decorative parts, the company supplies products to OEMs around the world. U.S. Farathane employs more than 2,700 employees nationwide and with the addition of the Missouri facility, U.S. Farathane will have 11 U.S. manufacturing locations.

“Riverside is right in the heart of the action—it’s close to OEMs, it has an experienced workforce, and a business-friendly environment. Expanding to Missouri puts U.S. Farathane in a great position to better serve our customers and expand our presence in the automotive industry. We’re very excited about the opportunities available for us here,” said Andy Greenlee, President of U.S. Farathane.

U.S. Farathane will lease space at the Riverside Horizons Business Park, joining auto suppliers Martinrea and Yanfeng USA , which both have manufacturing facilities on the west side of the complex.

The company’s new 220,000 sq. ft. facility will increase capacity, improve transportation efficiency, and positions U.S. Farathane with a central location. Through a $51.6 million investment, U.S. Farathane will retrofit the space and purchase equipment and machines needed to produce highly technical injection molded plastic parts for the Chevrolet Malibu, assembled at the GM plant in Fairfax, Kansas. The Riverside facility will also manufacture black functional interior plastic parts for the Missouri-made Ford F-150 pickup truck and all-new Transit van, both of which are assembled at Ford’s Claycomo Plant in Kansas City. The new facility is expected to be fully operational by October of this year.

As a result of Gov. Nixon’s efforts to revitalize Missouri’s automotive manufacturing industry, vehicle production in the state has rebounded. Ford and General Motors have invested a combined $1.5 billion and created thousands of jobs to produce all-new next-generation vehicles at their facilities in Claycomo and Wentzville. Missouri has also seen strong growth among automotive suppliers including Grupo Antolin, Janesville Acoustics, Leggett & Platt, SRG Global, Adrian Steel, Toyota Bodine, and Faurecia, which have all announced plans to invest and expand in the Show-Me State over the past two years. Additionally, according to the Center for Automotive Research, Missouri has the 7th most automotive establishments in the nation and has continually been a top 10 state for vehicle production.

To assist U.S. Farathane with its expansion, the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria. The state partnered with a number of organizations to attract this company to Missouri, including the Missouri Partnership, the Kansas City Area Development Council, Platte County Economic Development Council, the City of Riverside, NorthPoint Development, Arco Construction, KCP&L, Metropolitan Community College, and KC SmartPort.