- Minth Group Announces $430 Million Manufacturing Campus at Former Gadsden Steel Mill, Bringing More Than 1,300 Jobs
GADSDEN — A long-dormant industrial site that once symbolized the decline of heavy industry in Northeast Alabama is poised for a dramatic revival after global automotive supplier Minth Group Limited announced plans to invest $430 million in a major manufacturing campus at the former steel mill property in Gadsden.
The project, unveiled during a press conference at the historic industrial site, is expected to create more than 1,300 jobs and transform the 400-acre brownfield property that once housed Republic Steel and later Gulf States Steel.
Local leaders and state officials described the announcement as a transformational moment for the city and the surrounding region.
According to the Gadsden‑Etowah Industrial Development Authority, the new facility will produce high-quality plastic and aluminum components for automakers operating in the Southeast, including plants operated by Hyundai Motor Company in Montgomery, Alabama and Kia Corporation in West Point, Georgia.
The Gadsden facility is expected to become Minth’s flagship manufacturing operation in the United States, featuring nearly one million square feet of production space. The company plans to renovate and expand existing structures at the former steel mill while introducing advanced manufacturing systems to support modern automotive production.
State officials said the project reinforces Alabama’s growing reputation as a hub for automotive manufacturing.
“Alabama is a worldwide leader in automotive innovation, and Minth Group Limited’s plans to build an advanced manufacturing hub in Gadsden is another successful chapter for our state industry,” said Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
McNair credited the expertise of Alabama’s manufacturing workforce as a key driver in attracting new investment.
“Our automakers and supplier operations are filled with experts who are building high-quality, in-demand products for markets around the world,” McNair said. “Their work continues to draw new additions to our auto industry, where they find supportive partnerships and a true home in communities across the state.”
A New Chapter for a Historic Industrial Site
The former steel making complex has deep roots in Gadsden’s industrial history. The site began operations in 1903 under Republic Steel and later became home to Gulf States Steel, serving as a cornerstone of the local economy for nearly a century before closing permanently in 2000.
Since then, redevelopment efforts have focused on environmental cleanup and attracting new investment to the sprawling property.
The Casey family has spent the past 25 years working to reclaim the site and prepare it for new industrial uses. Today, five businesses operate on portions of the property, and those operations are expected to continue alongside the new Minth facility.
Local economic development officials say the new investment represents a major turning point for the community.
David Hooks, chief executive officer of the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority, said the project will generate wide-ranging economic benefits across the region.
“The new investment not only impacts the property itself, but will impact the broader economies of Gadsden, Etowah County and all of Northeast Alabama,” Hooks said. “We are honored that Minth Group has chosen Gadsden as the location to expand its North American presence. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and to the long-term economic opportunities this investment will bring to our region.”
Jobs and Economic Impact
Minth officials said the project will initially create hundreds of jobs, with employment expected to grow over time to as many as 1,325 positions.
The jobs are projected to offer average annual wages exceeding $49,000, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Company leaders said the decision to locate in Gadsden was driven by the area’s skilled workforce, proximity to major automotive manufacturers, and strong support from local and state partners.
William Chin, chief strategy officer of Minth and the son of the company’s founder, said the project represents both an economic investment and a symbolic renewal for the historic industrial site.
“From rubble to renewal, from depression to prosperity – this site, once a reminder of jobs that moved overseas, now represents a bright future,” Chin said. “It’s not rubber and steel anymore; it’s plastic and aluminum. We see tremendous opportunity here to serve the evolving needs of the automotive industry.”
Chin also praised local leaders and educators who helped bring the project to fruition.
“I want to especially thank the mayor, our local economic development partners and Gadsden State Community College for seeing the diamond in the rough before we did. Their unwavering belief in their community will make this old steel mill shine again.
“Now, together we will bring it back to life and build something enduring for generations to come,” Chin added.
Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford said bringing new jobs to the community has been a central priority for his administration.
“My remaining focus was finding a quality tenant for the old Republic Steel property, and man, we hit the lottery with Minth,” Ford said. “I didn’t think we could find someone who values the citizens of Gadsden as much as I do, but they’ve exceeded all our expectations.”
“They have tremendous plans for this facility, and I’m thrilled to have them become a part of our community and our future,” he said.
The announcement follows another recent economic development milestone for the city, when renewable-energy logistics company Takkion announced plans to use the former Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company plant in Gadsden as a storage and handling hub for solar energy materials.
About Minth Group
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Taipei, Minth Group Limited has grown into one of the world’s largest automotive parts suppliers. The company specializes in vehicle exterior components, body structural systems, and electric vehicle battery enclosures.
Minth employs more than 25,000 people globally and operates approximately 77 manufacturing plants and offices across 14 countries. Its customer base includes many of the world’s leading automakers, including Ford Motor Company, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Audi, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai Motor Company, and Jaguar Land Rover.
The company is widely recognized as a major Tier-1 supplier within the global automotive supply chain, providing components such as chrome trim, roof rails, door frames, aluminum structural parts, plastic bumpers, grilles, and EV battery housings.
In recent years, Minth has focused heavily on developing lightweight aluminum structures and battery enclosure systems used in electric vehicles. These components protect battery packs while reducing overall vehicle weight, improving energy efficiency and driving range.
As a result of these investments, Minth has become the world’s largest supplier of electric vehicle battery housing systems.
The company maintains major manufacturing operations in China, the United States, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Serbia, Japan, and South Korea, supported by research and development centers in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Positioning for the Future of Automotive Manufacturing
Minth’s investment in Gadsden aligns with its broader strategy of expanding manufacturing capacity near major automotive production centers and supporting the industry’s transition toward electric and advanced vehicles.
The company reported revenue of approximately RMB 23.15 billion in 2024, with net profit of about RMB 2.38 billion. It is regularly ranked among the top 100 global automotive suppliers.
The Gadsden facility is expected to strengthen the company’s North American operations, which are managed through Minth North America Inc., headquartered in Wixom, Michigan.
For Gadsden, the project represents the rebirth of one of its most historic industrial sites — and a new chapter for a city long defined by manufacturing.
Local officials say the redevelopment demonstrates how legacy industrial properties can be transformed to support the next generation of advanced manufacturing and automotive technology.
With construction and renovation expected to begin in phases, community leaders hope the project will mark the beginning of sustained economic renewal for the region and a new era for the historic steel mill site.
