Eissmann Automotive North America, Inc. held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the completed expansion at their Pell City location, which includes a $14.5 million capital investment and adds 200 jobs to the area.

The ceremony was held on Monday, Oct. 22 with over 30 delegates from Germany and other Eissmann Automotive locations from around the world. Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt, St. Clair County Commission Chairman Paul Manning, Alabama Senator Jim McClendon, Representative Randy Wood, and Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield were in attendance. The Pell City Chamber of Commerce led the ribbon cutting and the St. Clair County Economic Development Council organized the event.

“Eissmann has had many expansions since they located here 15 years ago,” said St. Clair County EDC Executive Director Don Smith. “Eissmann is a solid, family-owned company that has outperformed even our greatest expectations in Pell City. They pride themselves on the highest quality craftsmanship in the industry, which is a perfect fit for the high-end automotive customers they serve. They have incredible leadership in management at their Pell City facility and we look forward to working with them on future expansions.”

Eissmann Group Automotive was founded in 1964 and is still a family-owned business that has grown to twelve locations in three different countries. They produce leather interior fittings for the automotive industry and have over 5,000 employees worldwide.

“We are always excited to see our existing industries continue to expand in St. Clair County,” said Paul Manning, Chairman of the St. Clair County Commission. “The additional jobs to St. Clair County allows our citizens to work closer to home and improves their quality of life. Eissmann is a tremendous community partner and we look forward to growing with them in the future.”

“With this expansion, Eissmann has become the largest employer in Pell City, and we are excited to see them continue to grow in our community,” said Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt. “We are very fortunate that they chose our community as their North American headquarters and we hope they will continue to expand here.”

Pruitt presented a key to the city to Claudia Eissmann, Chair of the Advisory Council of Eissmann Automotive Deutschland GmbH. Pruitt, along with EDC Executive Director Don Smith and Jason Goodgame, who constructed the new Pell City facility, visited the Eissmann headquarters in Bad Urach, Germany earlier this month.

Pruitt stated, “Whenever anyone new comes into the community, you appreciate that. They bring jobs and build the community. They saw something in Pell City and we are extremely humbled that they are here.”

“From the first investment Eissmann Automotive made in Pell City, the community and elected officials have made us feel welcomed and supported,” said Claudia Eissmann. “Our facility has grown within the community and we look forward to continuing to work with the City of Pell City, the St. Clair County Commission, and the Economic Development Council for many years to come.”