HEBRON — While many automotive-related companies are laying off employees and outsourcing abroad, a Hebron facility is doing the opposite. THK Manufacturing of America’s $2 million expansion will house the company’s new line of automotive castings, originally produced in Japan, said David Garbark, THK’s facilities and environmental engineer.
He said the 12,000-square-foot expansion, which is expected to be completed in June, also brings the possibility of up to 20 new hires. Garbark acknowledged the company’s recent actions, especially choosing to bring production to the United States, was atypical.
“Our on-time delivery is a priority,” he said. “Parts are going to be ready in a few days versus months.”
Garbark said the castings also are cheaper to produce at the 471 N. High St. facility than in Japan.
The Hebron THK facility, which began production in 1998, is the company’s only site where the castings used in automobiles, trucks, SUVs, tractors and golf carts are produced, he said.
“We’re going to start off with a total of two machines, and then go up to six die-cast machines,” Garbark said.
He said future expansion is a possibility, especially because the site has plenty of open land.
In the past seven years, the facility has increased from 100 employees to more than 350, Garbark said.
“We’re growing like a weed,” he said. “We’re constantly adding people.”
The facility received a 100 percent, 12-year tax abatement on real property taxes, said Andie Myers, community development coordinator for Hebron. She said the THK facility is within the village’s community investment area.
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