Kumi Manufacturing Alabama, located one mile south of Interstate 65 at Exit 205, inaugurated an operation in Clanton in 2000.

The Japanese-owned firm prides itself on its growth.

Along with its other sister companies, the Clanton plant; the Bradford, Ontario plant; and the West Unity, Ohio plant now have annual sales of $140 million.

The success of its operation is built upon the company’s philosophy: “The KUMI North America philosophy centers on the foundation of respect for all associates and sustaining a safe and clean environment while fostering continuous improvement in all areas.”

In April 2014, Honda manufacturing recognized KamCo (KUMI of North America) as a “top performer” because of the 100 percent on-time delivery of parts.

This is the fifth consecutive year they have received this award.

The KMA plant in Clanton employs 279 people, a number that has risen over the past three years. KMA recently announced a $2.2 million expansion, and there seems to be talk of another expansion in the future.

Marshall and Associates of Montgomery and Auburn are the general contractors for the current expansion.

Will Marshall recently told me that using local sub-contractors is the best way to bring about success in a project such as this expansion.

“We have enjoyed our local workers; they have a great work ethic and craftsmanship,” Marshall said.

Some of the local sub-contraction Marshall and Associates use include Price Construction, Southern Oaks Concrete, H&M Painting, Mid-State Construction and Abel Plumbing.

The project is scheduled to be completed in December.

KMA is a provider of high-quality plastic injection molding products. They have a contract with Honda in Lincoln to provide plastic molding for the Pilot, MDX, Odyssey, and Ridgeline.

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-Fred Crawford is the Chilton County Industrial Development Coordinator. Look for another installment of his column in a future edition of The Clanton Advertiser.