SPRINGFIELD, TN—Tier 1 automotive supplier Martinrea International Inc. is investing $40 million to expand its assembly plant here. The project is expected to create 97 new jobs.

Martinrea manufactures lightweight structures and propulsion systems for cars. The expansion will upgrade the plant’s large presses, add robots and welding cells, and add 30,000 square feet.

“Expanding Martinrea’s facility in Robertson County was a logical decision for us due to its skilled workforce and close proximity to our customers,” says Pat D’Eramo, Martinrea’s president and CEO.

Founded in 2001, Martinrea operates in 57 locations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, China, South Africa and Japan. In addition to the Springfield plant, it also has locations Columbia, TN; Shelbyville and Hopkinsville, KY; Canton and Tupelo, MS; and Tuscaloosa, AL.