Bolta Sets Sights for Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) – Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says two affiliated companies in the automotive supply field will build their first U.S. production facility in Tuscaloosa, creating at least 350 new jobs by 2016.

Bentley announced the plans during a Monday morning news conference at the Tuscaloosa River Market in Tuscaloosa.

Bentley said in a statement that Purico Group and Bolta Werke GmbH, which the governor described as sister companies, will invest $39.5 million into the facility.

Once built, the Bolta Werke GmbH facility will produce parts for automotive manufacturers. The governor said those manufacturers are primarily Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance, near Tuscaloosa; and a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Bolta Werke GmbH is based in Germany, and has been part of the Purico Group of the United Kingdom for nearly 30 years.