DURA Automotive Systems selects Muscle Shoals for new manufacturing facility

 Muscle Shoals, Ala. August 25, 2020- DURA Automotive Systems announced today their plans for a new manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The Michigan-based automotive supplier will invest $59 million and create 279 new jobs in their new facility that will produce battery trays for electric vehicles.

"This project is the culmination of a lot of hard work and vision from our community leadership. They had the forethought to invest in infrastructure and assets to allow the Shoals to compete for projects on a global scale. It's because of them and the exceptional workforce of the Shoals that today is possible. I want to commend the work of our staff, the Department of Commerce, and TVA for landing this project in the Shoals." - Kevin Jackson, President, Shoals Economic Development Authority

DURA Automotive Systems will locate in the Shoals Economic Development Authority's (SEDA) 100,000-square-foot Shoals Research Airpark speculative building with plans to expand the building to 200,000 square feet.

"We are so excited to work with the State of Alabama, the Department of Commerce, SEDA, and TVA to bring this company to the Shoals. I am thankful our community has invested in the necessary infrastructure to make a deal like this possible. Through the pandemic, we continue to strive for economic development and good jobs, and this announcement delivers both." - Mayor David Bradford, Muscle Shoals

SEDA, the Shoals Industrial Development Committee (SIDC), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Economic Development, and the Alabama Department of Commerce have worked closely through a joint effort to bring DURA Automotive Systems to The Shoals and to create this opportunity for the Shoals.

"TVA and Muscle Shoals Electric Board congratulate DURA Automotive Systems on its decision to expand its footprint in the Valley and create new job opportunities in Muscle Shoals. Helping to foster new jobs and investment is fundamental to TVA's mission of service and we are proud to partner with Shoals Economic Development Authority and Alabama Department of Commerce to help further that mission." -TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development, John Bradley

The Shoals Research Airpark speculative building completed construction in February of 2019 after a nine-month construction process and is the largest speculative building SEDA has built to date. This building was only on the market for one and a half years, while the average speculative building sits on the market for two and a half years.

About DURA Automotive Systems: DURA Automotive Systems is a global automotive supplier specializing in the design, engineering and manufacturing of solutions that drive the evolution of mobility. With a legacy comprising more than 100 years of inspired invention, the company is recognized by leading vehicle manufacturers as the preferred supplier partner for innovative, highly integrated, mechatronic systems, and lightweight solutions.

About SEDA: The Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA) is a professional organization dedicated to economic development in Northwest Alabama, including Lauderdale and Colbert Counties.SEDA serves as the area's lead organization for designing and implementing strategies that create new business and employment opportunities essential for sustainable economic growth.

About TVA Economic Development: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the nation's largest public power company, providing electricity for business customers and local power companies serving 10 million people in seven southeastern states.Economic development is a major part of TVA's core mission.TVA's Economic Development services are focused on attracting targeted new industries, retaining and growing existing businesses and partnering with communities to help foster economic growth.More information is available at TVAsites.com.

About Alabama Department of Commerce: The primary goal of the Alabama Department of Commerce is to bring jobs to the people of the state through targeted economic development. Locating your business in Alabama provides you access to some of the most versatile and aggressive assistance programs in the nation, from helping you find an available site to ensuring that your workforce needs are met.