State officials announced today that Monroe-based Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc. will expand its operations in Walton County, creating 250 new jobs and investing $80 million.

"Yet another prominent, innovative international company has made a commitment to grow in Georgia," said Governor Nathan Deal. "Walton County and its workforce deserve a lot of credit for providing a progressive business-friendly, work-ready environment that invites existing industries to keep investing there."

The facility, formerly Unisia of Georgia Corp., was established in Monroe in 1996 as a fully owned subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd.

"In order to expand our operations, we have to remain competitive with our sister plants around world and other competitors," said vice president of operations for Hitachi Automotive Systems America Yoshitaka Mizokawa.

"We've been able to bring additional business to Georgia because of a strong workforce, and based on our past history, a strong relationship with Walton County and the local community," said director of finance for Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas Michael Schoon.

The facility is continuing to add new products and this expansion moves the company closer to its customers. The facility employs almost 300 full-time and 75 part-time workers at its current 230,000-square-foot operation, which produces valve timing mechanisms, propeller shafts and power steering systems for a number of automakers.

The expansion will require an additional 290,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its current two buildings. To ensure its workforce will be ready to begin operations the day the new plant opens, the facility will take advantage of the services of Georgia Quick Start workforce training program.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development collaborated with the Development Authority of Walton County on this expansion. Senior regional project manager for GDEcD Susie Haggard led this project on behalf of the state.

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc., a subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., manufactures, remanufactures and markets a wide range of automotive systems including engine management systems, electric power train systems, drive control systems and car information systems for all major automotive original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers worldwide, providing leadership within Hitachi Automotive Systems' global operations as the regional headquarters in the Americas. The company is headquartered in Harrodsburg, Ky.