RDP invested $20 million in NMTCs to help Nemak expand and preserve its manufacturing presence in Sylacauga, Alabama.
It is difficult to overstate the importance of Nemak’s continued operation and success to the rural Sylacauga, AL community. Nemak is the second largest manufacturer and employer in this rural highly distressed community, which has suffered from thousands of recent job losses. Approximately 46% of households in Sylacauga live with annual incomes of less than $30,000. The population of Talladega County also has significantly low levels of education, with only 13% obtaining a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Nemak specializes in the production of complex aluminum components for the automotive industry, such as cylinder heads, engine blocks, transmission parts, structural components and other components. The $46 million plant expansion is tied to new contracts large auto manufacturers and a third general improvement project for the Alabama plant that will bring the plant up to date in technologically and allow for competition for future contracts in this low-income area.
Nemak offers a living wage of more than 2.07x the average local living wage for unskilled employees, and 3.11x the average local living wage for skilled workers. In addition, workforce development initiatives were offered through a matching funds grant from Nemak and Rural Development Partners through RDP’s Community Investment Program… providing opportunity for low-income residents to receive the education and training needed for a successful career and better life.