Hitachi Automotive a Driving Force for Georgia Business
You may not realize it, but the car you’re driving may have parts made in the city of Monroe, Georgia.
For 23 years, Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc., a Tier 1 supplier of world-class products to the global automotive market, has been manufacturing and shipping automotive parts to customers including Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Nissan, Subaru, and Honda, across the U.S., Mexico, Canada and around the globe, direct from the town of Monroe.
Georgia, and this city of 15,000, have been instrumental in providing the advanced technology, global distribution and qualified workforce that have helped Hitachi successfully grow for more than two decades, leading to a multi-year, $100 million plant expansion begun in 2019. The five-year expansion involves the manufacturing of chassis and powertrain-related products, as well as the addition of new production jobs.
Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas now employs approximately 900 people at its 520,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Georgia where the company produces three main products: VTC (value timing control) phasers, propeller shafts, electric steering gears and variable displacement pumps.
“The leadership and community of Monroe, and on a broader scale, the State of Georgia, have supported us from day one. This is our home, and because of that, Hitachi is very involved in supporting the local community in terms of jobs and investing in our employees,” says Michael Schoon, vice president of Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas’ Monroe facility.
The company was one of the first selected for inclusion in Georgia Made™, a program through the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) that provides additional support in logistics, manufacturing and marketing of products produced in Georgia.
“Hitachi has had a great relationship with the State of Georgia,” says Schoon. “The Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Department of Community Affairs have supported each of our expansions. The Governor and GDEcD leaders have all toured our facilities. They are just a phone call away, and we know that should we need them, they will be there for us. We were particularly excited to be selected as one of Gov. Kemp’s Georgia Made tour stops. Knowing that the Governor cares enough to visit our facility, see our operations and hear our concerns is invaluable.”
Schoon adds, “I also can’t say enough good things about Georgia Quick Start, the state’s customized workforce development program. It’s second to none when it comes to first-class training and has single-handedly been the largest resource Hitachi has partnered with through the years to train employees capable of making us successful, regardless of the complexity.”
In terms of supply chain risk mitigation, there are many variables that factor well for companies to locate to Georgia. The nearby Atlanta airport is a logistical advantage for international travel and trade needs. The Port of Savanah is used by Hitachi, and the intermodal transportation system is critical to its supply chain. These resources are just a few of the reasons that the Southeastern U.S. is a vibrant area for automotive industry manufacturers.
“It’s our goal at the Georgia Department of Economic Development to bring jobs and investment opportunities to our state, and when we establish a relationship with a company like Hitachi, that not only creates jobs but takes an active role in the community, it really takes what we do to an entirely new level,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “It’s because of companies like Hitachi Automotive Systems that we have had so much success and such an interest from Japanese companies in Georgia.”
Consistently ranked the “#1 State for Business” for seven years running, Georgia’s skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure, low taxes, high state credit ratings and development resources are here to help you start and grow your business. Visit Georgia Made™ to take the next step in expanding your success.
About Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is engaged in the development, manufacture, sales and services of automotive components, transportation related components, industrial machines and systems, and offers a wide range of automotive systems including engine powertrain systems, electric powertrain systems and integrated vehicle control systems. Visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi-automotive.us/hiams-am.htm.