AUBURN, Ala. (Mar. 4, 2026) — Shinhwa Auto USA Corporation is expanding its manufacturing presence in Auburn with a $37 million investment that will introduce advanced tooling capabilities and strengthen vertical integration at its Alabama operations.
The expansion follows Shinhwa’s acquisition of SAPP S.p.A., an Italian precision toolmaker, and will integrate the company’s engineering expertise into the Auburn facility. The project is expected to create approximately 20 high-skilled engineering and technical jobs, while enabling Shinhwa to deliver complete aluminum die casting solutions from a single U.S. manufacturing base.
State leaders say the investment reinforces Alabama’s position as a hub for automotive manufacturing and advanced production technologies.
“We congratulate the leadership at Shinhwa and Mayor Ron Anders and the Auburn City Council for the expansion in Auburn,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This investment is another strong indicator of the continued growth opportunities companies find in Alabama’s automotive sector. Adding tooling capacity in Auburn further strengthens the manufacturing ecosystem of die casting companies across the state.”
Local officials emphasized the importance of continued industrial growth within Auburn’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“Shinhwa is once more growing its operations in Auburn, proving yet again that our city is fertile ground where businesses thrive,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “Businesses are the backbone of our community. We are grateful for Shinhwa’s investment and look forward to supporting their continued success.”
Founded in 1995, Shinhwa is a global manufacturer specializing in aluminum die cast automotive components. The company established its Auburn operations in 2020 and has since expanded several times, developing capabilities that include high-pressure and variable-pressure aluminum casting, automated machining, and system component assembly.
Company leadership says integrating SAPP’s tooling expertise will significantly expand the Auburn operation’s capabilities.
“This expansion is an important milestone that allows us to create a vertically integrated U.S.-based company,” said Kwi Hyun Lee, chairman of Shinhwa Group. “By leveraging SAPP’s advanced engineering knowledge, we will enhance our ability to manufacture complex aluminum automotive systems and respond to customer needs quickly and efficiently.”
The new tooling operation will be located in a separate facility at Auburn Technology Park West, where it will support both Shinhwa’s internal manufacturing operations and outside customers requiring engineering, tooling development, and maintenance services for high-pressure die casting equipment.
By bringing precision tooling and engineering capabilities in-house, Shinhwa’s investment further strengthens Alabama’s automotive supply chain and enhances the region’s ability to support next-generation vehicle manufacturing.
For more information, visit www.shinhwa-auto.com. Employment opportunities will be posted at www.workinauburn.com.
