MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. (IAC) plans to invest over $55.9 million in expansion projects that will create 182 jobs at two Alabama facilities.
IAC is committing $34.3 million in new capital investment to expand its new manufacturing facility located in Tuscaloosa County. This facility will produce door panels and overhead systems for original equipment manufacturers. The project will create 119 jobs at the production site at 15911 Progress Drive in Cottondale.
In addition, IAC plans to invest $21.6 million at its manufacturing facility located at 318 Pappy Dunn Boulevard in the former Fort McClellan in Anniston, creating 63 jobs. The project builds on a milestone 2014 expansion that doubled the size of the Calhoun County facility, whose primary product is automotive interior components and systems. Key components produced at the Anniston plant include door panels, trim systems, and instrument panels for original equipment manufacturers.
“International Automotive Components is a leading global auto supplier, and I am pleased that this world-class company is growing significantly in Alabama and creating good jobs in Cottondale and Anniston,” Governor Ivey said. “IAC’s growth plans show that Alabama’s dynamic auto industry continues to expand despite today’s challenging environment.”
“Alabama was the logical choice due to its skilled workforce and proximity to the customer,” said Nick Skwiat, IAC executive vice president and president of IAC North America. “We are excited to see the continued growth of the automotive industry in Alabama and we plan to grow right along with it. We thank the Governor and Secretary Canfield for their leadership in this sector.”
IAC Group is a leading global supplier of innovative and sustainable instrument panels, consoles, door panels, overhead systems, bumper fascias and exterior ornamentation for original equipment manufacturers.
Headquartered in Luxembourg, IAC has more than 18,000 employees at 67 locations in 17 countries. Besides Alabama, the company operates manufacturing facilities in seven other U.S. states.
“With operations around the globe, IAC is the kind of high-performance company that we want in Alabama’s auto supply chain to help fuel sustainable growth,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “We look forward to working with IAC and facilitating its future growth in this strategic industrial sector.”
Officials in Tuscaloosa and Calhoun counties welcomed the company’s expansion plans.
“International Automotive Components is a valued part of Tuscaloosa County’s automotive sector,” said Danielle Winningham, executive director of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority. “We are grateful for IAC’s investment in our community and the career opportunities available to our area workforce as a result of their investment.”
“The City of Anniston is excited that IAC has made the decision to expand here. I have enjoyed working with the leadership at IAC, the Calhoun County EDC, and the state of Alabama to get this project finalized,” Mayor Jack Draper said. “This is even further evidence that Anniston is indeed open for business.”

Oxford’s Bridgewater Interiors Announces $10 Million Expansion

Oxford, AL- The Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC) is pleased to announce a $10 million expansion that will create 35 new jobs in Oxford. Bridgewater Interiors, a tier one automotive supplier, made the commitment official during the Oxford City Council meeting on Tuesday evening.
“After 16 years of successful operations in Calhoun County, Bridgewater Interiors is very pleased to embark on this next phase of growth and enhancement of our manufacturing footprint. We highly value our relationship with the Calhoun County EDC, and their support and collaboration on this project is instrumental in allowing us to bring good-paying jobs and economic opportunities to the region,” says John R. Cloud, CFO for Bridgewater Interiors, LLC. “The Calhoun County EDC has been in negotiations with Bridgewater Interiors on the proposed expansion for the last several months, said Larry Deason, board chairman of the Calhoun County EDC, and we are proud to have an industry of their caliber here in Calhoun County.”
The project includes an investment in machinery and equipment, increase in headcount, and a building expansion to support additional warehousing needs. “This expansion allows Bridgewater to continue growing, while establishing an infrastructure to meet customer demand,” says Kelvin Wright, plant manager at BWI’s Oxford facility.
Don Hopper, executive director of the Calhoun County EDC explains the importance of teamwork to make a project work. “We could not have gotten this project done without Mayor Alton Craft and Oxford’s City Council. They continue to support the EDC and our local manufacturing industries, allowing us to bring new jobs into the region,“ said Hopper. Also proud of the expansion is Mayor Craft. “Industry plays a vital role in the City of Oxford, and seeing Bridgewater Interiors’ new $10 million expansion brings us great joy. This expansion means 35 new jobs for 35 families. In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, industry in Oxford is continuing to grow and give families opportunities for a financial breakthrough, and that is celebrated by all of us. Thank you to the Calhoun County EDC and Bridgewater for their continued dedication and hard work in growing Oxford and families’ economic vitality that live here,” says Craft.
Bridgewater Interiors, which manufactures the seat systems for the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport produced nearby in Lincoln, opened in 2003 and currently employs more than 350 people.