Auto parts maker to build $100M line, hire 360 workers in next 2 years

By Monica Chen

mchen@heraldsun.com; 419-6636

DURHAM -- After losing as much as one-third of its work force during the recession, auto parts manufacturer AW North Carolina in Durham is rebounding with plans to invest $100 million in a new production line and hire 360 workers in the next two years.

The manufacturer will be installing a front-wheel-drive automatic transmissions production line starting this fall, with completion planned for fall 2011.

Hiring for full-time and part-time workers will begin first quarter 2011, with anyone with at least a high school diploma encouraged to apply. Training will be provided on site and with the help of Durham Technical Community College.

Plant manager Will Collins said workers at AW-NC are excited about the opportunity.

Toyota recently decided to localize manufacturing for auto parts, building more components in the market where the cars are ultimately sold, he said.

"The decision was made to extend this opportunity to AW North Carolina. We earned this through our past experience," Collins said.

Since opening in Durham in 1998, AW-NC has manufactured automatic transmission components and fully assembled automatic transmissions for Toyota.

The recession and downturns in the auto industry led the company, owned by Japan-based Aisin AW Co. Ltd., to cut back on workers the past two years.

The plant at 4112 Old Oxford Hwy. had 1,100 workers at the start of 2008. After furloughing hundreds of workers and offering buyout packages to the rest of its full-time employees, the plant's work force shrank to just about 700 last year. It is back up to 900.

Collins said those who took the buyouts were invited to return to the plant last fall. For the new build out, he said they are again welcome.

"We certainly would welcome anyone who has been here before to reapply next year," he said.

Gov. Beverly Perdue praised the announcement Thursday.

"AW-NC's involvement with the state's community college system around training and career development has proven that relationships between manufacturers and education are alive, successful and growing in our state," Perdue said in a news release.

AW-NC's parent company, Aisin, hosted state Dept of Commerce officials for a tour of its headquarters in Anjo City, Japan, during the state's Asia economic development trip in October.

The new production line brings the company's total investment in Durham to $550 million.