Company investing more than $40 million to create 100 new jobs in Lexington County
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Akebono Brake Corporation, a leader in advanced brake and friction material development production, is expanding its existing Lexington County operations. The company is investing more than $40 million in the project, which is expected to create 100 new jobs in West Columbia, S.C. over the next five years.
Akebono Brake Corporation, a subsidiary of Tokyo, Japan-based Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., provides the world’s automotive industry with advanced braking and noise, vibration and harshness solutions. With more than 85 years of brake systems expertise, Akebono manufactures its products in 30 wholly-owned or affiliated facilities, employing more than 8,200 associates worldwide. Its North American co-head offices are located in Farmington Hills, Michigan and Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
As a result of increased sales, the company has decided to increase the capacity of its existing Lexington County facility, expanding its casting foundry and adding a new bay to accommodate machining and assembly. Located at 201 Metropolitan Drive in West Columbia, the expanded operations are expected to house 100 new jobs. Hiring for the new positions will begin in 2016. Those looking to join the Akebono team should visit the company’s career opportunities page online.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $200,000 Set Aside grant to Lexington County to assist with the costs of real property improvements. For more information on Akebono Brake Corporation, visit www.akebonobrakes.com.
QUOTES
“Akebono’s continued investment in our West Columbia facility is a win-win for the company and our local community. We look forward to expanding our operations here with the skilled talent that Lexington County has to offer.” –Akebono Brake Corporation West Columbia Plant Manager Fred Ulep
“Akebono’s new $40 million investment is a huge win for our state’s automotive industry, but most importantly, it’s a win for the 100 South Carolinians who will have jobs because of this great company’s commitment to our state.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“We congratulate Akebono Brake Corporation on the decision to expand operations in Lexington County. This announcement not only indicates the company’s commitment to our state, but is also a testament to South Carolina’s pro-business environment and hard-working, loyal workforce.” – Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“Lexington County is honored to have Akebono Brake Corporation expand their facility at the CAE Industrial Park. This expansion will generate new, highly-skilled jobs in the community. Akebono fully embodies the pioneering spirit that we value in the Midlands, and we look forward to the additional growth in the automotive sector.” –Lexington County Chairman Johnny Jeffcoat
“Akebono’s initial investment announcement of $104 million and the addition of 314 new jobs in 1999 was a great win for Lexington County and for the Central S.C. Region. Today, we celebrate another milestone – a $40 million investment and 100 new jobs. Congratulations to the leadership and workforce at Akebono for their dedication and commitment to this region.” –Central S.C. Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Akebono Brake Corporation is expanding its operations in Lexington County.
- $40.5 million investment creating 100 new jobs.
- Akebono Brake Corporation, a subsidiary of Tokyo, Japan-based Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., operates co-head offices in Farmington Hills, Michigan and Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
- The company is expanding its casting foundry and adding a new bay to accommodate machining and assembly at its Lexington County facility, which is located at 201 Metropolitan Drive in West Columbia.
- Those looking to join the Akebono team should visit the company’s career opportunities page online.
About Akebono Brake Corporation
Akebono Brake Corporation is a leader in advanced brake and friction material development and production, with a focus on noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) analysis and control. Akebono manufactures a wide range of brake friction materials and foundation brake assemblies, including disc brake calipers and drum brakes. The company’s commitment to innovation, process improvement, quality control and customer service has positioned it as a key resource for leading OEMs, Tier I brake suppliers and the automotive aftermarket. For more information, visit www.akebonobrakes.com.