Automotive supplier planning $150 million Tuscaloosa plant, expected to create 650 jobs

An automotive parts supply company based in India is planning to build a $150 million plant in Tuscaloosa and create 650 jobs, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley announced Thursday.

Samvardhana Motherson Group is planning a 700,000-square-foot plant, which will be named SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc.

Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2015 and the facility will supply the Mercedes Benz U.S. International plant in Vance, Alabama, officials said. The plant's employees will produce bumpers, spoilers, interior door panels and other parts.

Alabama is home to three automotive manufacturing plants, an engine manufacturing plant and many other facilities that offer parts and services. A positive business climate and skilled workforce helped secure the company's commitment in west Alabama, Bentley said.

"SMP will benefit from the Tuscaloosa region's reliable labor force and be supported by a successful and continuously improving workforce development and training network," Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director Dara Longgrear said in a written statement. He said the authority "looks forward to partnering with SMP as they continue to grow and prosper as a world leader in high quality interior and exterior automotive systems."

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, 994,000 vehicles were produced in the state in 2014 and automobiles are Alabama's top export. Alabama has shipped $6.6 billion in vehicles to 99 countries, according to state commerce officials.

SMP Group's corporate headquarters is in India and its European headquarters is in Germany. Officials say the company operates in 25 countries and employs more than 70,000 people.