S. Korean auto parts maker to build plant in U.S.

South Korean auto parts manufacturer Mando Corp. said Thursday that it will build a production facility in Georgia, the United States, for making electronic chassis control units. Under the memorandum of understanding with the government of Meriwether County, GA, Mando will construct the plant on a 571,900 square meters of land offered from the county for free, said the company. The factory will make anti-lock brake systems, electronic stability controls and electric power steering systems from 2013, said Mando. Mando said that it will raise its annual production capability to 2.7 million units by 2016 to supply the auto parts to its clients, including Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp. and Chrysler Group LLC. The plant will help the company establish a full production line for all kinds of automotive chassis products in the U.S. and provide them to the North American market, along with its research center in Detroit, Michigan. This will be the second production facilities for Mando in the U.S., following the one in Alabama that produces an annual capacity of 13,000 units of brake and steering systems. "We will secure a foothold in the U.S. electronic control system market," said an official from Mando. "The plant will contribute to satisfying the consumers and expanding our global business."