HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (May 22, 2019) – YKTA, a new joint venture, announced it will invest $220 million to open an auto parts manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The company will create 650 new jobs.

The facility will be built on-site at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc. (MTMUS) assembly plant now under construction. YKTA will produce structural body stampings and assemblies, functional and chassis parts.
State and local elected leaders and members of the business community joined YKTA for an event on Wednesday, May 22 to welcome the company and celebrate with a ceremonial groundbreaking.

“YKTA is a significant addition to the growing automotive cluster centered around the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A. auto assembly plant in Huntsville,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “This venture will not only create 650 well-paying jobs but also solidify the foundation of the automotive supply chain that is emerging in North Alabama.”

YKTA is a joint venture between Y-tec, Keylex and Toyotetsu, which are three existing Japanese automotive suppliers with operations in North America. Toyotetsu has a long history as a Toyota supplier, while Keylex and Y-tec are highly regarded suppliers to Mazda. Toyotetsu has six other locations in North America. Y-tec and Keylex have a joint venture in Mexico.

“We are proud to call Alabama our home and celebrate our commitment to North Alabama as our community,” said YKTA President Ryuji Fujimoto.

YKTA is the second on-site partner announced for Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A., a $1.6 billion joint-venture assembly plant being built on a 2,500-acre site in the Limestone County portion of Huntsville. In 2021, MTMUS will produce up to 300,000 vehicles annually, split evenly between Mazda and Toyota.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle offered a strong welcome to the new joint venture.

“This new three-company consortium brings together some of the top suppliers in the automotive industry,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “As with any success, collaboration is key. YKTA is following the model established by the Mazda Toyota joint venture to create a partnership on a dynamic campus that is going to lead the world in automotive innovation and opportunity.”

“We are excited to welcome YKTA to Limestone County,” added Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly. “This $220 million investment that will create 650 new jobs is a testament to our great county and to our regional workforce that continues to receive global recognition.”

During the remarks, YKTA demonstrated its commitment to the community by donating $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama.

“It’s great to be located in a philanthropic corporate community and YKT Alabama has come to Huntsville and followed suit by investing in Boys & Girls Club,” said Patrick Wynn, the organization’s President & CEO. “We couldn’t accomplish half the things we do for our young people without partners like YKT Alabama. It’s our hope that their investment will allow us to groom young minds to possibly grow up to work for this amazing company.”

YKTA is already hiring. Visit www.yktal.com to apply for positions.

Additional local leaders also offered their support and welcome to YKTA’s announcement.

“Today’s announcement by YKT Alabama demonstrates the vital relationship Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA (MTMUS) shares with their long-time operations partners and suppliers to manufacture the highest quality components for automobiles through high-tech innovation and production,” said Madison County Commission Chairman Dale W. Strong. “We’re delighted to welcome YKT Alabama and the 650 advanced manufacturing jobs that will continue to drive economic growth and development throughout our region.”

“This announcement strengthens the already strong Mazda-Toyota partnership with three quality companies with a rich history of supplier success,” said Madison Mayor Paul Finley. “We welcome YKT Alabama to our community and look forward to supporting them as they set up operations on the MTMUS site.”

“When an industry locates in the North Alabama area, it benefits Athens and all of our region’s communities because it attracts the attention of other potential employers who want to discover what North Alabama has to offer,” said Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks.

“Decatur residents are honored to serve as a regional partner, and we are very thankful for the historic growth led by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Mayor Battle,” said Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling. “The companies forming the YKTA joint venture between Y-Tec, Keylex and Toyotetsu have a history of community partnerships and strong environmental management systems, while developing opportunities for future generations.”