DURA Automotive to build a new lightweight, aluminium automobile structures manufacturing facility in Alabama

DURA Automotive Systems recently had a groundbreaking ceremony of its state-of-the-art lightweight automobile structures manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, US. This is the latest addition to DURA’s 31 worldwide sites. 

The construction of the new facility is estimated to complete by April 2021. It will house advanced robotics, along with proprietary forming and joining technologies to create lightweight structures including those used for electric vehicle (EV) battery systems. 

This new site reportedly involves an investment of $75 million, and is projected to employ 279 full time workers at peak production.

“This investment represents DURA’s commitment to support global customers in the transition to electrified, high performance vehicles.” said Kimberly Rodriguez, DURA Chief Executive Officer. 

He also said, “We are delighted to extend our well-established European expertise in design and manufacturing of lightweight structural architectures, to the North American market. On behalf of DURA, we are excited to join the Muscle Shoals community and bring advanced technology jobs to the region.”

In 2021, Dura is expected to launch an additional site in the Republic of Macedonia to produce lightweight exterior systems. In 2020, it launched a lightweight structural systems plant in the Czech Republic.

Aluminium structures are prominent in European premium vehicles to reduce weight and improve performance and fuel economy. Lightweight architectures are playing an important role as the automobile market is shifting towards electrified vehicles. 

DURA produces lightweight aluminium battery trays with integrated cooling systems. Each battery tray is custom engineered and manufactured in accordance with an automaker’s performance objectives. The company has been producing lightweight aluminium architectures for vehicles since 1990.