A German auto parts manufacturer is expanding into Windsor and bringing with it up to 350 jobs.
Kauth, a family owned business that builds auto fasteners, has decided to set up shop in Windsor on Wheelton Drive.
"We were in the south of the U.S in Alabama because our biggest customer is there so we had to look there too," says company Managing Director Steffen May. "We were in Georgia, we were in a lot of towns here in Ontario, we looked to five bigger cities here in Ontario but we go to the best and it is Windsor."
The facility is now a warehouse, distribution and office space with plans in the works to build a 300,000 sq. ft. factory next door with production to start in 2020.
It's a $15-million investment in the city between the building and equipment.
Initially, 25 people will work at Kauth's headquarters in Windsor.
"Windsor is a very interesting city, it is nearby to the U.S and we get skilled workers, this is something very important for our technology because the skilled worker we need are very special and we can find them here," says May.
It is the company's first facility outside of Germany.
Besides the financial incentives to come to Windsor, May says it was important for the company to receive a visit from Mayor Drew Dilkens, who was the only mayor to travel to meet with the company officials.
"The feeling is something important to us, it is not always the money."
"We have a rich history in manufacturing," says Dilkens. "A company like Kauth recognized the value in Windsor."
Over the past 18 months, Dilkens along with officials from the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation worked to attract the company to the city.
The company, through the city's Community Improvement Plan, will receive $2.1-million in tax rebates over 10 years.