DAS North America Bolsters Alabama Auto Sector With $77.6 Million Expansion
Montgomery, Friday, 27 February 2026.
This $77.6 million capital project adds 100 jobs and pushes the supplier’s total local investment to $235.8 million, reinforcing Montgomery’s critical role in the automotive supply chain.
Strategic Capital Injection
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce formally announced that DAS North America, a South Korea-based automotive supplier, is finalizing plans for a significant facility upgrade [1][6]. This $77.6 million investment is set to expand the company’s manufacturing footprint at 840 Industrial Park Boulevard, directly supporting the production of seat frames and safety components for Hyundai’s Montgomery assembly plant and the Kia facility in West Point, Georgia [5][6]. The project represents a substantial escalation of the company’s financial commitment to the region; with this latest infusion, DAS North America’s total capital investment in Montgomery since its 2012 establishment will rise to approximately $235.8 million [2][5].
Operational Timeline and Workforce Growth
The expansion follows a precise construction schedule, with completion targeted for April 1, 2027 [2][3]. While the facility is expected to begin phased operations in late 2027, potentially as early as July, full operational capacity is projected for 2028 [1][3]. This development is not merely infrastructural; it serves as a catalyst for workforce development. DAS North America, which currently employs approximately 500 team members locally, will add 100 new positions to its roster [1][6]. This represents a workforce increase of 20 percent, signaling robust demand within the automotive manufacturing sector despite broader market fluctuations.
Reinforcing the Existing Industrial Base
This announcement aligns with a broader economic trend highlighted in Governor Kay Ivey’s 2025 New & Expanding Industry Report, which identified a surge in reinvestment by established companies [2]. In 2025, Montgomery ranked second statewide for capital investment among existing industries, with over $1.1 billion—more than 90 percent of the capital investment for that year—originating from local employers reinvesting in their operations [2][5]. Anna Buckalew, President and CEO of the Montgomery Regional Chamber, noted that such reinvestment validates the region’s infrastructure and business climate, describing the expansion as a signal of long-term competitiveness [1][6]. Sean Kim, COO of DAS North America, echoed this sentiment, framing the project as a testament to the company’s confidence in the local workforce and the partnership with the State of Alabama [1][5].