Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that 2A S.p.A., , a major Italian company specializing in the production of die-casting equipment, planned to invest $15 million to expand its foundry in Auburn, where it serves as a first-line supplier to major automobile and heavy truck manufacturers.
2A USA's expansion project in Auburn will create more than 50 jobs and double the current die casting area of the Auburn facility.

"2A has earned an excellent reputation for its technical innovations, and its decision to expand its manufacturing operations in Alabama is a testament to how skilled its workforce in Auburn is," Ivey said. "We are thrilled that this first-rate company is including Alabama in its growth plans."

2A is a family-owned company that manufactures components for major automotive and truck manufacturers, including Porsche, Alfa-Romeo, Maserati and Volvo Trucks.

"My father Carlo founded 2A with a clear vision of the company geared toward customer focus and technological development," said 2A president Vincenzo Ilotte. "We are very proud of our location in Auburn and plan to further expand our business to serve our customers in the United States. Without the great support of the State of Alabama and the City of Auburn this would not have been possible. "

2A's parent company is based in Santena, in the province of Turin, Italy. It is the largest industrial high-pressure die casting company in Italy. It specializes in the die casting of large, complex aluminum components that are then coated, machined, assembled, and painted.

"Alabama's automotive supply chain continues to grow in scope and sophistication as companies like 2A expand their operations in the state," said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield. "2A's new investment will create new of jobs, but it will also solidify the company's presence in the state."

Die casting produces engineered metal parts by injecting molten metal under high pressure into reusable steel molds. The process enables the production of highly precise complex shapes that can be easily replicated.
Economic developer Nicole Jones told the Alabama Political Reporter that "2A, a respected automotive supplier with operations in Italy, the United States, and China, has launched research and development programs and has developed ready-to-assemble parts into various OEM lines. OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) produce parts and equipment that can be marketed by other manufacturers. 2A's recent expansion in the United States will result in about 50 new jobs at the Auburn facility in Alabama."

2A USA expanded into Alabama in 2014 through the acquisition of a facility operated by Aluminium Technology Schmid North America in Auburn Technology Park West. The company invested in state-of-the-art die casting equipment and machinery at the facility, maintaining the 95 projects already there. 2A will install new equipment capable of pressuring dies between 1,000 and 2,700 tons and dies 4,500 tons, representing the largest high-pressure die casting machines on the market. The first of these machines will be operational in 2020.

The company's Auburn foundry serves original equipment manufacturers including the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) group, Freightliner Trucks and engine manufacturer Detroit Diesel Corp.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders also welcomed 2A's expansion.

"With this expansion, 2A is bringing an even higher level of technology here to Auburn. We are pleased that 2A has confidence in Auburn to make such a significant investment, and I look forward to their continued success as a leader in high-pressure die casting."

"Through collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, our state has positioned itself as a national and global leader in the automotive industry," Nicole Jones explained. "In recent weeks, the state of Alabama has had three major announcements regarding the automotive industry. 2A's decision to expand its U.S. presence at the Auburn Foundry is an important component of the automotive supply chain and is a testament to the creation of a business-friendly environment. We look forward to unveiling 2A's new technology in 2020. "

The new plant will produce original equipment for manufacturers including FCA Group (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Freightliner Trucks and engine manufacturer Detroit Diesel Corp.