UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, a leading supplier of precision extruded aluminum automotive components and assemblies, will take over the former Walgreen’s distribution center in Flagstaff for a new plant that will manufacture parts for electric vehicles.
The expansion of the company is anticipated to bring 120 high-paying jobs to the region over the next year and 350 within 5 years, said Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona President & CEO Gail Jackson.
“UACJ Whitehall plans to invest as much as $60 million dollars here,” Jackson said, noting that the average wage at the company will be 60% higher than the county per capita income.
Company President and COO David Cooper said Flagstaff was selected because it is strategically located to serve UACJ Whitehall’s electric vehicle customers. The company has plants in Ludington, Michigan, Paducah, Kentucky and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
“Northern Arizona makes sense for us because of location, ease of transportation, and an already well-established manufacturing sector within the community. We also look forward to partnering with North Arizona University as our processes are highly automated and technical,” Cooper added.
“What a fantastic win this is for Flagstaff and our northern Arizona communities,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “Our electric vehicle industry in Arizona is booming – with only further opportunity on the horizon. My thanks goes to UACJ Whitehall for choosing Arizona and to all our regional and state partners for their work on this exciting announcement.”
“This announcement represents a historic investment for Northern Arizona and our entire state,” said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “As an industry-leading producer of electric vehicle parts, UACJ Whitehall will further bolster Arizona’s reputation as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. We look forward to supporting UACJ Whitehall’s growth and success in our state.”
VISIT HERE to read the article in its entirety.