Grupo Antolin, Global Automotive Supplier, setting up shop in McCalla

Grupo Antolin, a global supplier, which manufactures automotive interior parts, is opening an operation in Jefferson County.  Real estate investment firm, Graham Commercial Properties, (GCP) has secured a lease from Grupo Antolin at the Jefferson Metropolitan Park in McCalla.  In addition, GCP is investing over a million for client improvements to meet the supplier’s needs.

Speaking with Taylor Graham, Director of Acquisitions and Leasing for GCP, Bham Now got the inside take on the deal.

“We are indeed excited to have landed Grupo Antolin on a long-term lease at one of our Jeff Met properties.

Grupo was attracted to the building for a number of reasons including its functionality, proximity to the Mercedes plant, and GCP’s willingness to invest additional capital into the building to accommodate Grupo’s needs.

A portion of the space that Grupo will occupy had been vacant for almost 24 months, which is surprising given how tight the Birmingham market has become over the past 12 months.

– Taylor Graham

Graham also pointed out the growing demand for commercial real estate by the automotive industry.

We have seen a tremendous increase in demand across all of the Birmingham submarkets in 2016, driven primarily by the strength and growth of the automotive sector.

This is evident by the occupancy gains we have seen within the Birmingham portion of the GCP portfolio, where we saw occupancy go from 84% to 98% during 2016.

The 240,000 square foot plant is expected to begin operation in March.

While Birmingham may be the perfect fit for Grupo Antolin, the company itself is an excellent catalyst for continued economic growth in our area.

The Benefits:

• Employment of 150 people by 2020
• Average pay $19.13/hour
• Over a million in improvements will fund work by local firms to revamp the space.
• Hosting a global auto supplier in Birmingham will continue to build on our city’s broad reputation as being business friendly.

Grupo Antolin operates 161 production plants, 25 technical and commercial offices worldwide, and employs over 28,000 with sales of $4 billion since its inception in 1950.

Company Details:

According to Made in Alabama, the factories produce an array of automotive products including:

• Doors
• Seats
• Lighting Fixtures
• Cockpits
• Trim

In a recent press release, Governor Robert Bentley proclaimed that Grupo Antolin’s plan to operate in Alabama is in perfect alignment with his efforts to create jobs and to help create a sustainable future for our state.