Honda supplier Kumi Manufacturing Alabama has announced a $2.2 million expansion that will fuel additional job growth and allow the company to conduct its research and development in-house, according to a press release.

Kumi manufactures plastic injection molded components, both interior and exterior, for Honda’s Odyssey and Pilot models, as well as the Acura MDX, which are all assembled in Honda’s plant in Lincoln.

The 40,000-square foot expansion will include an expanded innovation department for the company to conduct safety testing for existing and future products, which are pillars that hold a vehicle’s safety equipment.

“This expansion shows that Kumi feels that Chilton County can lead the way in production and safety research,” said Fred Crawford, economic developer for the Chilton County Industrial Development Board. “They are working with the IDB and our Career Technical school to better the efficiency for the workforce, which is a great step forward in this process.”

Kumi Manufacturing Alabama employs 260 full-time workers in Clanton, four of which work in innovation, and the workforce should grow once the expansion is complete.

Currently, the company’s safety testing and research is done at its facility in Ohio, which also supplies a nearby Honda plant.

This is the fourth expansion for the company, which opened its Clanton operation in 2000 and has been a “great corporate partner” ever since, Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver said.

“Kumi has been an important employer in Clanton, and we are proud of the confidence they have shown in our city and county to undertake this expansion,” Driver said.

Kumi is a full-service provider of product design and manufacturer of injection, sheet molded and formed fiber felt products and is part of Kamco Industries, a subsidiary of Japan-based Kumi Kasei.

Kumi North American Group has operations in Clanton, Ontario and Mexico, which have combined total annual sales of more than $140 million.