San Antonio's already strong business ties with Japan have strengthened a little bit more, with Nissei Plastic Industrial Company celebrating the grand opening of their first US plant at Brooks on San Antonio's south side, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The facility will be officially dedicated on Monday.
The 115,000 square foot plant, which represents a $21 million investment by the Japan based firm, will use hybrid injection plastic molding to create products for a wide variety of uses, from automotive to aviation.
“A facility like Nissei’s can change lives. The manufacturing jobs and opportunities afforded can provide the kind of economic mobility that changes lives and shapes futures,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.
Nissei cited San Antonio's central location between North, Central and South America, as well as Texas strong position as the number one state in the US for plastic production facilities, which employ some 77,000 people.
Plastic products manufactured at the Brooks facility will be shipped throughout the Americas, and eventually to Europe, Nissei said.
“Our region has a longstanding and powerful manufacturing industry with enormous economic benefits. I’m confident that Nissei will be a strong addition with lasting impact on the community,” said Judge Nelson Wolff.
Nissei also cited Texas' tax structure as a reason to construct the new facility in San Antonio, as well as the local auto industry cluster of companies which is led by Toyota. It also cited the fast growing auto industry in Mexico.
“We're excited to help bring these manufacturing job opportunities to San Antonio and look forward to having Nissei employees and their families living, working, learning and playing at and around Brooks,” said Brooks President & CEO Leo Gomez. “Our mixed-use community provides the quality of life benefits that Nissei was seeking for its employees, with the Greenline linear park, eateries, entertainment venue, attractive housing options and superior education opportunities from kindergarten to graduate school all within walking distance.”
GRAPHIC: NISSEI NORTH AMERICA