2a S.p.A., an Italian die-casting company, plans to invest US$15 million to expand its foundry in Auburn in eastern Alabama, which caters to major automobile and heavy truck makers. With this expansion 2a USA will double the Auburn facility’s current die-casting area and create more than 50 jobs.
2a’s parent company, headquartered in Santena, near Turin, is Italy’s biggest family owned high-pressure die-casting firm. It specializes in the die casting of large, complex aluminium parts that are coated, machined, assembled and painted according to customer requirements.
“2a has earned a reputation for technical innovation, and its decision to expand its Alabama manufacturing operation is a testament to its skilled workforce in Auburn,” Governor Kay Ivey said in a press statement that announced the expansion.
2a in Europe casts parts for major automotive and truck manufacturers including Porsche, AlfaRomeo, Maserati and Volvo Trucks.
“My father Carlo founded 2a with a clear vision of a technology and customer-driven die-casting company,” said Vincenzo Ilotte, president of 2a.
“We are very proud of our location in Auburn and plan to further grow our operation to serve our customers in the U.S.,” he added.
2a USA started in 2014 in Alabama after acquiring a plant operated by Aluminum Technology Schmid North America in Auburn Technology Park West. The company invested in state-of-the-art die casting and machining equipment at the facility and retained about 95 jobs.
With the investment, 2a USA will install new equipment capable of exerting pressures on dies of between 1,000 and 2,700 tonnes, as well as 4,500 tonnes. This will make it the largest standard high-pressure die-casting machines in the market, which is expected to be operational by March 2020.
The Auburn foundry serves OEMs including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Freightliner Trucks and engine maker Detroit Diesel Corp. The company expects to get new customers with the expansion.
“Alabama’s auto supply chain continues to grow in scope and sophistication as companies such as 2a expand their operations in the state, “said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
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