U.S. auto sales have now climbed four consecutive years to 15.6 million vehicles sold in 2013, according to Autodata Corp. That was the most since 16.1 million passenger cars and light trucks sold in 2007.
Feeling the trickle-down effects, it was announced in May 2013 that Valeo planned to invest in new equipment and add 105 new jobs at the Hamilton location, which opened in 1997.
French-based Valeo is a global automotive supplier with 124 production plants and 75,300 employees worldwide. Its Hamilton facility at 3620 Symmes Rd. produces climate control systems such as heating, ventilation and air conditioners for cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles made by multiple automakers.
The company’s North American headquarters are based outside Detroit, Mich.
Since the company’s expansion announcement last year, spokesman Brad Warner said five full-time jobs have been added. A new injection molding press was purchased and installed in 2013, with a value of approximately $500,000. The machine is used to make plastic tubes and vents to carry air throughout a vehicle, Warner said.
“We are still in pursuit of new business that would help us grow the facility,” Warner said.
“In the meantime we have converted five temporary employees to full-time status. We’re looking to do another up to 20 in the next month or two,” he said.
Plans are to buy another piece of equipment worth about $500,000 this year, he said. Valeo is adding equipment locally as business grows, to make more parts.
Valeo currently employs a total 225 workers in Hamilton, of which approximately 185 are full-time.
The company was approved last year for income tax credit incentives by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority. To claim the credits, the company has to grow payrolls in Hamilton. As part of the agreement, Valeo has committed to creating 105 new jobs by 2017 and maintaining operations for at least 10 years, according to Ohio Development Services Agency.
Valeo is pursuing more business with existing automaker customers launching new vehicle models, and pursuing new customers, Warner said.
“As our automakers develop new vehicles, we have to continue to prove to them we’re the supplier of choice,” he said.
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