Magna is expanding operations to add aluminum casting capabilities at its Kamtek facility in Birmingham, Ala. The global automotive supplier invested approximately $60 million in the 150,000-square-foot facility, which will feature a manufacturing process – high-pressure aluminum casting – that further enables it to provide vehicle lightweighting and part-reduction solutions. At full capacity, the expansion has the potential to generate more than 100 new jobs.

The new capabilities improve upon traditional steel multi-piece welded assemblies, which can take upwards of 12 stampings to produce one structural component. High-pressure aluminum casting allows production of full structures in one piece, reducing vehicle mass without compromising performance, structural integrity or safety.

The Kamtek facility, which has existing stamping and assembly operations, employs approximately 850 workers and produces structural components for various automotive customers. The new facility will initially produce lightweight aluminum front shock towers for a major global automaker.