Governor Bentley Welcomes New Investment from International Automotive Supplier

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday welcomed the announcement that REHAU, Inc., will build a new technical center in Cullman, employing an additional 140 people within five years of operation.

REHAU produces components used in automotive manufacturing and other industries.  REHAU’s Alabama Technical Center will serve as the company’s first research and development facility outside of Germany.

“This new investment by REHAU will mean more good jobs for the people of Alabama,” Governor Bentley said.  “REHAU already has a significant presence in Cullman County, and the company’s continued growth is a testament to the dedicated, skilled workforce and the positive business climate we have in this state.  I appreciate REHAU’s continued investment in Alabama.”

The $2.5 million, 20,000-square-foot technical center will house an estimated 45 engineers, along with other employees.  The technical center will serve as the training and conferencing center for REHAU’s business divisions in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“Having a high-tech company like REHAU choose Alabama for a U.S.-based research and development facility means new products will be born here in Alabama, which will lead to further growth of industry in our state,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield.

The new R&D center will be built on property adjacent to REHAU’s Cullman County manufacturing plant, which produces bumper assemblies for Mercedes-Benz.  REHAU was founded in Germany and now has its headquarters in Muri, Switzerland.  The company’s history in Cullman County dates back to 1995.  REHAU now has more than 700 employees in Alabama.

“With these continuous developments, REHAU secures its technological advancement within the marketplace and eventually its ability to provide jobs at locations worldwide,” said Reiner Leifhelm, CFO of REHAU Automotive and a member of the REHAU Automotive Executive Board.

The company recently completed a separate $119 million expansion in Cullman.

For additional information on today’s announcement from REHAU, visit the Alabama Department of Commerce website at www.madeinalabama.com.  As a Governor’s Cabinet agency, the Alabama Department of Commerce coordinates and maintains economic development efforts across the state.  Its divisions include business development, small business advocacy, international trade, the Alabama Film Office and AIDT, Alabama’s award-winning workforce training initiative.

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The Governor’s Press Office can be reached at 334-242-7150.