Auto parts manufacturer to expand in Emporia

Heyco Werk USA Inc., a subsidiary of Germany-based automotive parts manufacturer Heyco Group, plans to invest $5.4 million to expand its operations in Greenville County, adding 21 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday.

The location produces precision plastic molder parts for the auto industry and other industrial markets. Heyco Werk USA produces products for all BMW sport utility vehicles around the world, and its expansion will meet needs of BMW plants in South Carolina, China and South Africa, Youngkin said in a news release.

“A diverse, steadily growing ecosystem of automotive manufacturers, innovators and customers is thriving in the commonwealth, and Heyco Werk USA benefits from strategic access to our specialized supply chains and strong manufacturing base,” Youngkin said in a news release. “The Virginia operation has expanded Heyco’s production footprint to serve BMW plants worldwide, and we are thrilled the company will create more high-quality manufacturing jobs for the hardworking citizens of Greensville County.”

Founded in 1937 in Remscheid, Germany, by Max and Ernst Heynen, Heyco Group supplies products and engineering services in metal and plastic processing technology. The company has eight sites worldwide, with approximately 1,250 employees. Heyco Werk USA Inc. established a facility in the U.S. in 2014 and has operated the Greensville County plant, in Emporia, since 2019. According to Heyco’s website, the company took over the Emporia plant from former production partner Beach Mold and Tool and in 2019 had about 100 employees and more than 20 injection molding machines.

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia and extend our engagement at our Greensville County location as we build on the success of the last few years. Our production plant in Greensville County plays an important strategic role within the Heyco Group,” CEO & President Daniel Dittmar said in a statement. “With this latest investment, we set an important milestone for the future of our manufacturing operation and prepare the plant with new technologies, ensuring both the long-term success of our company and our position as an attractive and viable employer in Greensville County.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Greensville County to secure the project for Virginia, and Youngkin approved a $135,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the county with the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.