COVINGTON, Ga. – Officials with Nisshinbo Automotive Manufacturing, Inc., joined by representatives from state and local governments, turned over ceremonial shovels of dirt Thursday morning to officially break ground for an expansion at the company’s Covington facility. 

The $72 million expansion, announced in September by Gov. Nathan Deal, is expected to be completed by 2022. It will create 100 new jobs in Covington.

Nisshinbo is a leading manufacturer and supplier of environmentally friendly brake pads. It has approximately 23,000 employees working at 42 branches in 17 counties worldwide.

The Newton County facility produces high quality friction materials for automotive manufacturers and develops environmentally friendly, copper free brake pads.

In a statement last month Deal said, “Georgia provides the business climate, skilled workforce and thriving automotive sector necessary for manufacturers like NAMI to enjoy long-term growth. 

“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.”