Janesville Acoustics to invest $13.4 million to open new automotive parts manufacturing facility in Warrensburg
Gov. Jay Nixon, in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show, today announced that Missouri is gaining another global automotive parts supplier and adding more jobs in the state’s resurgent automotive industry. Janesville Acoustics, a Jason Incorporated Company, will invest $13.4 million in a new 155,000 square-foot automotive manufacturing facility in Warrensburg to supply GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant, creating 164 new, fulltime jobs.
“From Day One, we have focused on revitalizing Missouri’s auto industry to grow our economy and create jobs in the Show-Me State,” Gov. Nixon said. “Today’s announcement further cements Missouri’s position as a leader in automotive manufacturing, and we’re proud to welcome Janesville Acoustics as the newest member of Missouri’s broad network of automotive manufacturers and suppliers.”
Janesville Acoustics’ new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Warrensburg will initially produce trunk liners, specialized carpets and dash liners along with general acoustical insulation for the GM Chevy Malibu. The company’s new Missouri facility will provide for closer proximity to its transportation and automotive customers’ assembly plants in Missouri and the surrounding region, which will result in lower logistical costs and an increase in efficiency and flexibility. Janesville Acoustics intends to expand the facility, adding 40,000 square feet to the property within the third quarter.
The Governor today met with company leaders in Detroit in connection with the annual North American International Auto Show.
“Janesville Acoustics has experienced significant growth in the past 24 months, much of which has been accelerated by our willingness to locate manufacturing operations in close proximity to key customers,” said David Cataldi, president of Janesville Acoustics. “In Warrensburg we have found a geographic location that will allow us to exceed the expectations of our customers, a capable workforce, and a state and local government that are very welcoming and supportive of our project.”
As a business unit of Jason Incorporated, Janesville Acoustics is part of a global family of manufacturing leaders within the seating, finishing, components and automotive acoustics markets in North America, Asia, and Europe. Janesville Acoustics is one of the world’s largest producers of acoustical and thermal fiber insulation for the automotive and transportation industry worldwide. Headquartered in Southfield, Mich., Janesville Acoustics has facilities throughout North America and in Europe.
“Janesville Acoustics’ decision to invest in Warrensburg is proof that our community has what it takes to compete in a global economy,” said Mayor Charlie Rutt. “One hundred and sixty-four jobs is big news for our economy and we look forward to working with Janesville Acoustics to continue to create jobs and develop our local economy.”
Since taking office, Gov. Nixon has made it a top priority of his administration to reenergize the Missouri automotive industry. On his first full day as Governor, Gov. Nixon established the Missouri Automotive Jobs Task Force to make recommendations on strategies to attract automotive investment in Missouri. In the summer of 2010, the Governor called a special session of the General Assembly to pass the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act, a package of strategic incentives to attract next-generation automotive manufacturing to the state.
As a result of these efforts, Missouri’s automotive manufacturing industry 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. Janesville Acoustics joins suppliers including Yanfeng USA Automotive Trim Systems, SRG Global, Adrian Steel, Toyota Bodine, and Grupo Antolin North America that have announced plans to invest and expand in the Show-Me State over the past year.
To assist Janesville Acoustics 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.