Samkee America, Inc. Announcement Puts Macon County on Path for Even More Economic Success

Tuskegee, AL –

Today’s announcement by Governor Kay Ivey of a new Alabama industry in Tuskegee has been one year in the making. Samkee America, Inc. is a new tier-one automotive parts manufacturer coming to our community. The new project represents an initial investment of $128 million and the creation of 170 new jobs at an average wage of $20.50 plus benefits.

Samkee is now under construction on a 44.42-acre site in the Tuskegee Commerce Park. Macon County Economic Development Authority has led the recruitment of Samkee which started its search in multiple states and over 30 communities.

“We are extremely proud to be the place and community that Samkee puts its first facility in North America,” said MCEDA Director Joe Turnham. “Our relationship with Samkee has become one of a partnership of trust and mutual effort. We will be a team going forward to make them successful and to maximize this project’s benefits for the people of Macon County.”

The community partners, especially the City of Tuskegee and Utilities Board of Tuskegee (UBT), have invested in the project site and utilities to assure Samkee can be successful over time. “Mayor Tony Haygood and UBT General Manager Gerald Long and the entire city council and UBT staff and board have been extremely supportive and worked tirelessly on a daily basis to bring this one home.” Turnham stated.

Samkee has bold plans to grow here over time and add even more assets and jobs to this equation. The site is already adapted to Phase 2 and 3 scenarios.

Samkee is one of South Korea’s largest high pressure aluminum die-casting companies and a premier automotive parts manufacturer. The Tuskegee facility will make custom parts in the engine, transmission, electric vehicle, and car battery areas of automotive.

State Representative Pebblin Warren was ecstatic about the announcement and has worked for years to set Macon County up for success by helping build the capacity of economic development authority. She commented that she will personally be involved in the workforce readiness and training aspects of the project.

Turnham noted that many stakeholders behind the scenes came to the assistance of MCEDA in winning and preparing for the project. “We’ve developed a well-oiled machine to make this happen. I would like to thank Governor Ivey, the Alabama Department of Commerce team, AIDT, ADECA, SCADC, City of Tuskegee, UBT, Macon County Commission, MCEDA Board, Barrett-Simpson Engineers, Bailey-Harris Construction, Evergreen Siteworks, Attorney Milton Davis and the many consultants and specialists who have labored so hard on our behalf.

We thank our Samkee friends, especially Samkee CEO Chi Hwan Kim and Samkee America, Inc President Chan Ki Kim. We acknowledge want to recognize the entire incentives and real estate team at the law firm of K&L Gates, LLP who guided their client through all aspects of this transaction this past year. All have all been part of this successful collaboration.”

Tuskegee-Samkee now joins the Town of Shorter (Hanon Systems) by hosting another Tier-One Automotive company, Samkee. Shorter is also home to LogisAll, a Korean automotive logistics company located here in Macon County.

“The winning team spirit, a lot of prayer and the refusal to quit despite tall odds many days shone through at the end, and this win is just another mile in our journey to establish our communities in Macon County as world-class places to live and do business.” Turnham said in closing.