COVINGTON, Ga. - Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that Nisshinbo Automotive Manufacturing, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of environmentally friendly brake pads, will create 100 jobs and invest $72 million in an expansion of its Covington facility. New jobs at the facility will include positions in production and administration.

“Georgia provides the business climate, skilled workforce and thriving automotive sector necessary for manufacturers like NAMI to enjoy long-term growth," Deal said. “With this facility expansion in Newton County, NAMI will continue to benefit from close proximity to top vehicle manufacturers while also reaching customers across the nation and around the world with Georgia’s logistics infrastructure. I am encouraged to see NAMI’s sustained success, as it directly reflects the strength of Georgia’s environment for manufacturers. We appreciate NAMI’s investment over the last 20 years and look forward to the future growth of this partnership.”

NAMI has maintained a presence in Newton County for more than two decades. Along with NAMI’s business development center in Sterling Heights, Michigan, NAMI’s facility in Newton County produces high-quality friction materials for automotive manufacturers and develops environmentally friendly, copper-free brake pads.

“NAMI is honored to make this announcement together with the Governor’s Office and the Newton County Industrial Development Authority,” NAMI CEO Shigeru Matsuki said. “We have been very proud to call Covington our home for the last 20 years, and this additional investment demonstrates our commitment to the local community and to the Great State of Georgia. Newton County and the State of Georgia are wonderful places to do business. We hope to grow here with the people of Covington for the next 20 years and beyond.”

“Nisshinbo has been an indispensable partner in Covington for 20 years,” Select Newton Vice President of Economic Development David Bernd said. “Seeing more than $70 million in Foreign Direct Investment for 100 well-paying advanced manufacturing careers is incredible. Congrats to the Nisshinbo team, State of Georgia and the greater Covington region for going out and winning this project.”

Georgia Department of Economic Development Project Manager for International Investment Joseph Huntemann represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with Select Newton.

Japanese-affiliated companies currently operate more than 500 facilities in Georgia that employ approximately 30,000 Georgians.

“We are very excited and proud to see NAMI expand in Newton County,” GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson said. “NAMI’s success in Georgia is a combination of our strong international relationships and pro-business environment. We look forward to their continued success.”