New Nitto US factory to support automotive, aerospace industries

Frankfort, Kentucky – Nitto Inc. is establishing a “multimillion-dollar” new manufacturing facility in Frankfort, to support automotive and aerospace sectors.

In a statement 9 Jan, the governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear said the facility will create 220 full-time jobs and is set to begin operations in spring.

The project marks “the largest job creation in Frankfort since 2010,” Beshear added.

The investment announcement followed Nitto’s local filings in Ohio and Alabama stating that it was closing its factories in those states.

In an 8 Jan ‘worker adjustment and retraining notification act (WARN)’ notice, Nitto said it was closing its facility in Piqua, Ohio, transferring “a small number of employees” to the new factory in Frankfurt.

Overall, the closure will impact 147 jobs, and will be completed between March and September, said Nitto.

The facility in Piqua manufactures seals for weather-proofing windows and doors as well as other noise reduction systems and insulation materials.

Meanwhile, a WARN notice published by the Alabama Department of Commerce said Nitto was planning to close its automotive parts production facility in Jasper by March.

The closure will impact 56 people, according to the notice.

Nitto is also reported to have plans to close its manufacturing site in Chesapeake, Virginia.