Global automotive supplier cuts ribbon on new facility in Riverside

• September 09, 2015

Riverside, MO — Pat D’Eramo, President and CEO of Martinrea Riverside LLC, speaks during an event celebrating the completion of Martinrea’s new Missouri manufacturing facility in Riverside. The global auto supplier expects to be fully operational in its 275,560 square-foot automotive parts manufacturing facility by the end of this year and reach an employment level of 360, exceeding its original projection of 290 new jobs.

RIVERSIDE, Mo—Officials from Martinrea Riverside LLC celebrated the completion of its new Missouri manufacturing facility in Riverside. The global auto supplier expects to be fully operational in its 275,560 square-foot automotive parts manufacturing facility by the end of this year and reach an employment level of 360, exceeding its original projection of 290 new jobs.

“Automotive manufacturers and suppliers have invested more than $2 billion in Missouri since 2010,” said Gov. Nixon “Today’s announcement by Martinrea is a testament to Missouri’s skilled workforce, strong partnerships, and strong business climate that helps companies compete to win in the global economy. I am very proud that Missourians are continuing to lead the rebirth of the American auto industry from right here in the heartland.”

Martinrea Riverside LLC is a subsidiary of Martinrea International Inc., a Tier One automotive supplier headquartered in Ontario, Canada. With 44 facilities across eight countries and four continents, Martinrea International Inc. is a leader in the production of quality steel and aluminum metal parts, assemblies and modules, and fluid management systems focused primarily on the automotive sector.

The Riverside facility, which is the company’s first location in Missouri, will manufacture welded corrosion resistant engine cradles and rear suspension cradles for the Chevy Malibu assembled at the GM Fairfax plant. Martinrea expects the facility to be fully operational this winter and produce enough units to support 1,100 vehicles per day. To date, the company has hired 107 employees at its new facility including manufacturers, machine operators, engineers, and administrative and management positions.

“We are excited about this opportunity to serve our customer, General Motors, in the launch of the all new Chevrolet Malibu. This Missouri facility demonstrates the teamwork and determination of both General Motors and Martinrea to build a state-of-the-art facility committed to providing world-class quality and just-in-time delivery,” said Nick Cline, General Manager Martinrea Riverside LLC.

Martinrea is one of three leading and new-to-Missouri automotive suppliers to operate in the Riverside business park. In April, U.S. Farathane announced plans to lease 220,000 sq. ft. of space and create 267 jobs to supply plastic parts to both GM’s Fairfax plant and Ford’s Claycomo plant in Kansas City. In 2013, Yanfeng USA Automotive Trim Systems announced its plans to invest $45 million in its first Missouri facility and create 267 new jobs, solidifying Kansas City’s position as the number two automotive manufacturing center in the country.

To assist Martinrea Riverside LLC with its expansion, the Missouri Department of Economic Development 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 help facilitate this expansion as well as provide ongoing support to the company, including the Missouri Partnership, the Kansas City Area Development Council, Platte County Economic Development Council, the City of Riverside, Northland CAPS, Metropolitan Community College, and KC SmartPort.