Linamar Forgings Carolina, the closed-die forging and machining operation in Wilson, NC, will be expanded in advance of the automotive parts group introducing two new product series, hollow transmission shafts and net-shape differential gears. A $6.8-million investment at the former Carolina Forge Co. operation was announced recently.
Linamar Corporation, manufacturers of precision metal parts and automotive driveline systems, acquired Carolina Forge Co. from MFC Group in 2014. At the same time, it purchased a 66% stake in Seissenschmidt AG, explaining that the two purchases added to its automotive gear production capabilities.
Now, Linamar Forgings Carolina is part of the Linamar Seissenschmidt Forgings Group, which manufactures chassis and powertrain products for the automotive industry.
The expansion in North Carolina will be subsidized by a $62,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, a state Commerce Dept. program to assist in job-creating business development. The Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no advance money, and targets for job creation and capital investment must be reached in order to qualify for payment.
Other support reportedly will be provided by county and local agencies.
Linamar has not described the new manufacturing capabilities to be added at LFC, but emphasized that the new products will meet current design standards for lightweight parts.
“Lightweighting of automotive components is a key imperative for the future, whether that vehicle be traditionally powered or powered by new electrified systems, where in fact lightweighting is even more critical,” stated Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz. “This investment brings important capabilities to us to better serve our customers and meet or exceed their technology needs.”
