COVINGTON, Ga. — Nisshinbo Automative Manufacturing Inc. commemorated the completion of a $200,000 grant with a photo op on Monday, Dec. 10.

The $200,000 grant was given on the behalf of the state of Georgia, the Department of Community Affairs and the Covington/Newton County Industrial Development Authority. The grant will fund an additional 172,243 square feet of space on the company's Covington facility. 

“It has been Nisshinbo’s pleasure to work together with the Governor’s Office, Newton County Industrial Development Authority, Covington/Newton County Office of Economic Development and Georgia Department of Community Affairs on this expansion project," NAMI CEO Shigeru Matsuki said. "NAMI is graciously indebted by the community’s support and our commitment is forged together for success going forward in the coming years of this project for NAMI and the community.  

He added, "The additional 172,243 square feet on our campus is scheduled for completion early next year and NAMI has created many new job opportunities thus far with investment currently reaching $25 million of the $72 million planned.”

In 2018, NAMI announced it will create 100 jobs and invest $72 million in expansion of its Covington facility, according to the Sept. 6 Business Facilities news release. 

NAMI is set to release a new line of break pads to be produced by mid-summer of 2020, according to Dave Bernd, vice president of economic development for Covington/Newton County.

"We truly value the partnership Newton County, City of Covington and Nisshinbo has with the state of Georgia, to help provide this crucial funding through the states REBA grant program," Bernd said. "Nisshinbo’s expansion represents industry leading, environmentally friendly, OEM brake pad expansion."