CULLMAN, Ala. – REHAU, a leading global provider of polymer-based innovations and systems in the construction, automotive and industry sectors, unveiled its new $66 million paint line at a ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 7, marking a major investment creating 50 new jobs in Cullman.
Gov. Kay Ivey; Congressman Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama; Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Kenneth Boswell; REHAU CEO Markus Distelhoff; COO Michael Colberg; Plant Director Dieter Wiedmann; Project Manager Paint Line Polonium Andreas Frohne; and nearly 100 guests were present as the ribbon was cut on the new line, dedicating the 22,500 square feet of new building space and renovation of an existing 72,000 square feet.
“The new paint line allows REHAU to fulfill a new production contract with Mercedes to extrude parts for the new electric vehicle line at MBUSA (Mercedes-Benz USA),” explained Dale Greer, director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency. “The original paint line was more than 25 years old. This investment should solidify REHAU’s continued operation in Cullman for many years.”
REHAU has facilities all over the world and had many manufacturing options.
“Expanding in Cullman is continued validation of the quality of the workforce here and the support the company receives from the Cullman community, local government and the State of Alabama,” Greer said.
REHAU was the first automotive supplier to follow Mercedes to Alabama, helping transform the state into a leader in automotive production. The company has a sales office in Detroit, but Cullman was its first manufacturing plant in North America. REHAU Cullman currently employs 772 people and has 1 million square feet under roof on 140 acres.
“REHAU originally chose this location because they valued the quality of the workforce and the business-friendly climate in Alabama,” said Greer.
Due to the success of the automotive business in Cullman, REHAU also brought a construction division and its first R&D center outside of Europe to the area.
“The company has been very successful in Alabama and has expanded a dozen times in the last 30 years,” he said. “REHAU’s success help prove Alabama workers could meet challenging vehicle production standards. This investment solidifies REHAU’s commitment to Cullman, the State of Alabama and the automotive industry in the South.”
REHAU supplies Mercedes in Vance, Alabama; Nissan in Mississippi and Tennessee; Kia in LaGrange, Georgia; Toyota in various regional locations including Alabama and Mississippi; and BMW in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
“REHAU played and continues to play a significant role in Alabama’s remarkable automobile production,” said Greer. “Alabama has gone from producing no vehicles 30 years ago to ranking as the fourth largest state in the country in vehicle production.”
According to a 2023 report from the Department of Commerce, Cullman County ranked No. 1 in Alabama for expansion projects, No. 1 for expansion jobs and No. 2 for capital investment from expansions.
Several speakers from local and state offices shared their thoughts on the project at Wednesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony.
“It’s a pleasure to be here today to celebrate another remarkable milestone for REHAU Automotive and the state of Alabama. REHAU was the first automotive supplier to follow Mercedes here to Alabama and it was a decision that helped transform our state into an automotive production powerhouse,” said Ivey. “With a rich history that began right here in Cullman, REHAU has become a vital part of our industrial family, employing more than 750 Alabamians. Nothing can beat an Alabama workforce and this new automotive paint line facility is a testament to the strength of Alabama’s pro-business climate. It’s no wonder that Cullman County is ranked No. 1 in expansion projects and jobs as well as No. 2 in capital investment from expansions. This success is a direct result of the hard work of Alabamians and it’s something we can all be very proud of.”
Said Aderholt, “As the governor mentioned, (Cullman) is No. 1 in expansion in the state of Alabama, so your work, Dale (Greer) and your team, speaks for itself. I want to thank REHAU for their commitment to this area. The expansion of their Cullman facility is a testament to how integral their presence is to the Cullman community. While this plant contributes to the success of Cullman, it also plays a significant role in maintaining Alabama’s status as a leader in the automotive industry.”
“It’s truly an honor to be here today for this great expansion,” said Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons. “I can’t thank the governor enough for being here; it’s amazing to see you back in Cullman County. We appreciate the jobs created here by REHAU with this expansion and the investment in Cullman in quality jobs that are so important to our communities. I believe much of our success with economic development occurs because the County and the City work together. We’re a partnership and we work together to better serve the citizens across Cullman County.”
2023 New & Expanding Industry Report:
- Projects: 28 (No. 1 in Expansions)
- Jobs: 643 (No. 1 in Expansions)
- Capital investment: $488,997,600 (No. 2 in Expansions)
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