The facility will support Michigan-based Benteler's Southeast US customer base. Opelika was chosen for its central location. The area is gaining popularity as an automotive manufacturing region. Initial employment at the plant is estimated at 150 and could grow to as many as 300 workers over five years.

"Our new Opelika facility represents a major step forward for Benteler in North America, it not only expands our geographic reach, allowing us to be closer to our customers, but also will grow our capability and capacity as well," states Walter Frankiewicz, President of Benteler Automotive North American Operations. "The technical orientation and proximity to Auburn University will make it a great location to support the needs of our growing business," Frankiewicz adds.

Benteler selected Opelika from a 25-city roster of candidates in four southeastern states. According to state officials, Opelika is part of Alabama's fastest growing Metropolitan Statistical Area and the 19th fastest growing MSA in the nation. "Alabama's automotive sector continues to expand thanks to investments by global players such as Benteler Automotive," states Todd Strange, Director of the Alabama Development Office.