Eissman Automotive North America announced it will expand its operations in Pell City.
“It’s another sign of how well we’re doing economically,” Mayor Bill Hereford said. “It’s outstanding.”
Eissman, which is in the Pell City Industrial Park, was the first German company to move to Pell City. Two other German companies followed.
“They are a great group, great company,” said Don Smith, executive director for the St. Clair County Economic Development Council. “It’s a good company all around.
He said Eissman plans to add $2 million worth of new equipment in its planned 15,000 square foot addition, which is estimated to cost $750,000.
“We’re excited — and busy,” said Jost Bierbaum, president of Eissman Automotive North America and Mexico.
He said the Pell City plant will start a new contract in July with Chrysler Group, making that automobile manufacturer’s dash boards for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Eissman currently makes the Mercedes GL M-Class dashboards. Their Mercedes contract continues until the middle of next year, Bierbaum said.
“We’re also working on other projects with GM (General Motors Co.) and Chrysler,” he said.
Eissman opened its North America plant in Pell City in 2005. The company produces 51,000 different interior parts for automobiles and has operations worldwide.
Eissman supplies interior automotive parts to car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Bentley and Mercedes.
Smith said he and St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon met with Eissman officials to discuss some of their future plans.
“They began hiring new workers last year,” Smith said.
He said Eissman is at the point where it needs to move forward with the expansion.
“They are a class company,” Batemon said.
This week the Pell City Industrial Board unanimously approved a tax abatement for the company.
The company’s non-educational property taxes are waived for the next 10 years, as are the non-educational sales taxes for the construction material for the addition.
The Economic Development Council estimates Eissman’s investment will increase tax revenues for local schools $246,575 over the next 10 years.
This is the second expansion announced for a Pell City industry this week.
Tuesday, Andritz Pulp and Paper Service Center announced it will spend $1.8 million to expand its operations.
Andritz will add 6,800 square feet to its operations in Pell City, along with additional machinery and personnel.
Contact David Atchison at datchison@dailyhome.com.
