Vulcaflex S.p.A. is building a presence in the United States for the first time, starting right here in Alabama.

The Italian manufacturer, which makes + distributes synthetic leathers used in cars, is opening a new facility in Auburn. The $70 million investment is expected to create 130 jobs.

“The North American market is of great importance to our company. We are excited to establish in Alabama a complete production of our synthetic leather materials for the automotive industry in the US, Canada and Mexico. The combination of our unique Italian design and the local production in the U.S. will allow us to grow our market alongside globally known automotive manufacturers with assembly plants in North America.”

Roberto Bozzi, CEO of Vulcaflex

Vulcaflex S.p.A. in Auburn

Vulcaflex is a family-owned company founded in 1965 in Cotignola, Italy. The company worked with the Alabama Department of Commerce’s European Office to set up a visit to The Plains before selecting Auburn’s Technology Park West for the new facility.

The site is currently being prepped for construction but there is no official word on when the facility is expected to become operational.

“Vulcaflex selecting Auburn was the result of flawless collaboration between the State of Alabama, the City of Auburn, Auburn University, Southern Union State Community College and the utility companies. I am grateful to everyone involved. On behalf of the City Council, we welcome the Italian company Vulcaflex to Auburn.”

Ron Anders, Auburn mayor

Business moving to Auburn

This is the latest in a recent string of investments made in the Auburn-Opelika area including:

• New powersports dealership in Opelika
• Automotive supplier creating new advanced manufacturing facility in Auburn
• $21M investment by Korean manufacturer to expand Auburn facility
• Auburn’s new $22M facility to be first step toward manufacturing research district
• Automotive supplier bringing $9.2M investment, 50+ jobs to Auburn
• $87 million Auburn apartments among new high-dollar building permits