AUBURN, Ala. — Construction has begun on the expansion of Straehle + Hess USA, Inc.’s Auburn facility, which will allow the company to organize its logistics more efficiently and to prepare for new business coming to operation later this year. Straehle + Hess is a manufacturer of technical textiles for automotive interiors used by various global car brands including BMW, Chrysler, Mercedes, Stellantis and Tesla, among others.

“Construction is a good indicator of positive economic activity, and the expansion of the Straehle + Hess facility will allow for further investments and job growth in our community over time,” said Mayor Ron Anders. “I recently had the privilege of touring the Auburn facility. To see the production processes of such high-quality car interior products was impressive, and I am proud to be able to say they are made right here in Auburn.”

With 20 years of operation in Auburn, Straehle + Hess is the longest-operating, German-based industry in the City’s technology parks.

“Our company started in a 10,000 square foot facility that is part of the City’s incubator complex on Pumphrey Road, and we will soon occupy about 70,000 square feet here in the Technology Park South,” said Mathias Gerhold, CEO of Straehle + Hess USA. “I appreciate Mayor Anders accepting our invitation to show him our operation and the status of our expansion and look forward to continuing to be a part of the Auburn community.”

Peter Mazzucco, chairman of the Management Board of Straehle + Hess Group added, “The U.S. market is of great importance for our company; the production footprint of our main customers is still growing in the southeast. We are extremely grateful for the City of Auburn and its Industrial Development Board for being such a great partner to us over the years. I continue to see growth opportunities for our Auburn operation based on the City’s excellent business conditions and the benefits of Auburn University.”

About

Straehle + Hess USA, Inc, is the North American division of Straehle + Hess based in Althengstett, Germany. The Swabian company in the Black Forrest looks back at a history of about 100 years.