SAN ANTONIO – Takata Seat Belts recently completed a major expansion at its San Antonio facility that could mean up to $30 million to the local economy.
Construction on the new facility that is creating what Takata officials call "the next generation" buckle was completed in December.
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The Bexar County Commissioners Court last summer approved an incentive plan for the plant.
Takata Vice President of Seat Belt Operations Scott Simpton said that as part of the proposal, the expansion will eventually lead to the addition of at least 70 new jobs and a three-year investment totaling approximately $30 million.
The project will expand the current manufacturing process.
Products made at the facility will be provided to automakers worldwide, including Toyota in San Antonio.
More facts about the two Takata Seat Belts plants:
New Facility:
- Footprint: 48,000 sq. ft.
- Was built in 2015
- Mass Production began in 2016
- Building is constructed with planned expansion in mind
- Has a total investment of $30 million
- $18 million Initial Investment
- An additional $12 million investment planned for the addition of the second line considered as early as 2017
- Currently employs 35 associates – these were new jobs
- 35 more jobs will open up with launch of second line
- Projected to make 27,000,000 parts per year at full production rates
Plant 1 (Original Building)
- Footprint: 140,000 square feet
- Built in 1996
- Started Production 1997
- Employs 340 Associates
- Produces 133 different part numbers
- Manufactures 194,000,000 parts per year
- $58 million in annual sales