Automotive parts manufacturer Fritz Winter Eisengießerei GmbH & Co., Stadtallendorf, Germany, has announced plans to build a $193.7 million casting and machining facility in Franklin, Ky. Construction on the proposed 240,000-sq.-ft. facility is expected to start early this year with casting and machining operations beginning in 2017.

“The decision by Fritz Winter to select Kentucky for its new foundry underscores the advantages our state offers automotive suppliers,” said Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. “Fritz Winter joins 64 other German-owned facilities already employing more than 10,500 full-time workers in Kentucky. We believe that this connection between Kentucky and Germany will grow only stronger in the future as we focus on becoming even more business friendly.”

The new facility, which will focus primarily on casting and machining disc brake rotors, is expected to create 343 jobs. Fritz Winter chose the Kentucky location because its location in regard to automotive assembly plants in the U.S.

“Franklin really meets all our requirements in terms of proximity to our customers, availability of skilled labor, favorable electricity costs and industry-specific training possibilities,” said Jörg Rumikewitz, CEO, Fritz Winter.

Founded in 1951, Fritz Winter Eisengießerei produces cast iron engine blocks and heads, brake rotors and drums, flywheels and hydraulic housings serving the international automotive and truck industries. The company began exporting to the U.S. in 1966 and currently employs 3,700 people worldwide.(Source from:American Foundry Society)