AUBURN, Ala.- The Korean automotive electronic system supplier DUCK IL USA will invest approximately $21 million dollars in Auburn. In a few weeks, DUCK IL USA, or DIA, will upgrade and expand its facility in the Auburn Technology Park West, realizing its first manufacturing operation in the USA.

“This investment in Auburn will create a high-tech manufacturing operation of electronic system components for the automotive industry, and in this first phase, more than 20 individuals will find a job in our community,” said Mayor Ron Anders. “I want to personally thank the owners — the You family — for their trust in Auburn, and I’d like to assure them of our support going forward. By us supporting such investments, the City will generate direct and indirect taxes that allow us to provide public services to our citizens, ranging from schools, streets, public safety and recreational programs.”

DIA will establish a clean-room operation to manufacture electronic system components for the automotive industry. Headquartered in Pyeongtaek, South Korea and with over 30 years of company history and owner of several patents, DUCK IL Industries manufactures patented products that can be found in vehicles from Chrysler, GM, Hyundai, Kia, and Tesla. Product examples include electronic switches to adjust car seats, various controls in the dashboard, or interior lighting packages.

“With our commitment to research and development we will continue to provide value to our automotive customers by offering smart solutions using the latest technologies,” said Ki Duck You, chairman and CEO of DIA. “The facility in Auburn will allow us to now build those advanced electronic systems made in the U.S. for the U.S. market. We are very grateful for the support that we have received from the City of Auburn and the State of Alabama. We look forward to successfully engaging with Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College to identify the talent that we need to run our sophisticated manufacturing operation.”

DIA will benefit from the healthy business environment in Alabama and economic programs offered by the state of Alabama including tax abatements and workforce training.

“We are excited to welcome DUCK IL Industries to East Alabama and have them take advantage of everything the state has to offer our businesses,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “I know the company has found a great community in Auburn with a highly skilled and experienced local workforce, and I look forward to seeing their successes for years to come.”

Da Som You, president of DIA in Auburn added, “The operation will allow us to provide complete comprehensive manufacturing solutions to our clients. And, the production line of printed circuit boards in a clean-room setting will provide several technical and engineering jobs in a high-tech industry not yet present in Auburn. The clean-room setting will provide a pleasant environment for our future team members.”

Jobs will be posted soon at WorkInAuburn.com.