KASSEL, Germany—Automotive and industrial parts supplier Huebner Group is set to begin construction on an elastomeric products plant in Dunlap, Tenn.
The site will manufacture silicone seals and sealing systems for the U.S. oil and gas industry, as well as sensor-equipped rubber profiles for public transport industries. It also will support a recent "major order" to supply gangway system for the New York subway.
Huebner's U.S. expansion is part of its overall goal to become the worldwide market leader indoor sealing and safety systems for the railway and bus segments. It claims to be hold the largest market share in these areas throughout Europe.
Ingolf Cedra, Huebner's general manager responsible for material solutions, said the expansion also comes in response to growing demand for Huebner products throughout the U.S.
"Our European customers have also increased their presence in the U.S., and they want to be supplied on site with the same level of quality that they are accustomed to in Europe." Cedra said in a statement. "In addition to the site's relative proximity of our main customers—the large bus and train manufacturers—which we can conveniently reach from (Dunlap), the excellent general conditions of Tennessee as a location were an important factor in our choice."
Establishing this manufacturing presence also helps to ensure that all three of Huebner's business segments have a U.S.-based arms to grow and support its North American business. The company operates a Mount Pleasant, S.C., site where it manufactures gangway systems. Its San Jose, Calif., location offers sales and service for its Huebner Photonics laser business.
Huebner, which employs about 100 in the U.S., said the Dunlap plant will add 50 jobs in its first phase.