What you need to know: Auto parts manufacturer expanding in Monroe

The Warren County site at 201 Exploration Drive was selected over another in Valparaiso, Ind., following an announcement in February that UGN planned to expand at one of its two Midwest locations.

Here are five things to know:

1. What will the expansion add?

The expansion of UGN Monroe will increase the size of the 232,000-square-foot facility’s building by 154,000 square feet to help UGN supply Toyota and Subaru. The expansion will require 111 new team members and add nearly $6 million in salaries.

“UGN’s rapid growth is a result of the company’s dedication to innovation and quality,” said Jennifer Patterson, Monroe’s assistant to the city manager for economic development. “Such a substantial expansion just three years after building their initial building in Monroe is great news for their current and future employees, as well as the city, the region, and the state.”

PHOTOS: Tour UGN’s new Monroe auto parts plant

2. What is UGN Inc.?

Founded in 1986 as a partnership between Nihon Tokushu Toryo Co. (Nittoku) and Autoneum Holding AG, UGN produces acoustic, interior trim and thermal management products, and is a recognized leader in customer satisfaction for the Japanese transplant automotive industry in North America.

The company, with more than $415 million in revenue, has six locations in the United States: Monroe; Valparaiso, Ind.; Novi, Mich.; Jackson, Tenn.; Somerset, Ky. and Tinley Park, Ill., as well as a location in Mexico specializing in manufacturing, research, development, testing, and service support.

The Monroe plant meets an increased need for new carpet and underfloor technologies, which started being made in the United States for the first time ever in 2015 and are found in Japanese-produced automobiles.

3. Did UGN get a tax deal to expand in Monroe?

Earlier this year, Monroe City Council, citing the “high level of interstate competition,” approved an ordinance authorizing a 50 percent net profits rebate for UGN for eight years starting with tax year 2019.

The legislation also waived 30 percent of building fees for the company and extended a reduction in the water rate to $5.09 per 1,000 gallons an addition two-and-a-half years to 10 years.

4. What are company and local leaders saying about expanding in Monroe?

“We are excited about our growth in Monroe, and I’m very happy our customers are embracing the UGN innovations and are designing them into their future vehicles,” Peter Anthony, president and CEO of UGN, said in a release. “Ultimately, these technologies benefit UGN’s customers, in turn adding value to the end customer — the drivers themselves.”

State Rep. Candice Keller, R-Middletown, said UGN, since it opened in Monroe has been providing “much-needed, highly skilled jobs” for the Monroe community. “Since then, it seems it has just continued to grow,” Keller said in a statement. “Now, thanks to the help of JobsOhio, the Monroe branch is going to see an increase of 111 jobs. Keller said the expansion was the kind of good news area families need, namely more jobs and higher wages. “Because of this, more families can now experience more prosperity in our communities,” she said.

5. How can you apply for a job at UGN?

Those interested in joining UGN Monroe can visit www.ugn.com/employment