But Mason’s ideal location won over the investment.
From southwest Ohio, auto suppliers can serve multiple automakers such as Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. in central Ohio, Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Kentucky and Michigan’s big three — Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group.
“Mitsubishi Electric strives to meet its customers’ needs by producing as close to our customers as possible,” Chris Gerdes, vice president, corporate administration, for Mitsubishi, said.
The Mason auto parts factory on Bethany Road is also Mitsubishi Electric’s headquarters for its automotive electrical and electronics sales for the United States, according to the company. There, employees produce alternators and starters.
For this latest expansion, the company will invest more than $80 million in new equipment and to grow its building by 156,000-square-feet. The existing building is approximately 400,000-square-feet, according to the city.
The project is also tied to the creation of 100 new jobs. Today, Mitsubishi Electric employs more than 450 people at the Warren County site.
Mitsubishi Electric is ready to break ground this month on construction, depending on the weather, Gerdes said.
“Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, headquartered in Mason, was the first overseas manufacturing location for Mitsubishi Electric’s Automotive Equipment Group, and remains its largest overseas subsidiary,” Gerdes said.
“It is a testament to the state of Ohio, Warren County, the City of Mason, and the great workforce in this region that Mitsubishi Electric has been able to expand so many times over the years,” he said.
The company’s commitment to the local community impacts the entire region because of the trickle-down effects on its suppliers, job opportunities and restaurants and other services that are patronized by employees, said Mason Mayor David Nichols.
“A lot of the areas have become much more aggressive in economic development, which is one of the reasons I was happy to see Mitsubishi,” Nichols said. “It says yes, look, here’s a company that’s got many options like other companies… and yet they keep choosing to do it here.”
Mitsubishi Electric has secured a new contract with General Motors to produce alternators for the 2016 Cruze, according to information provided by Ohio Development Services Agency.
U.S. auto sales climbed for five consecutive years in 2014 to 16.5 million new vehicles sold.
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