South Korean brake manufacturer DuraMax has expanded its operations to the United States. In a September 1 announcement made with representatives from the Gwinnett County Chamber of Economic Development, the company revealed its plans to establish an American headquarters out of Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Yon Yu, DuraMax President, said in the announcement that "the support of the local and state economic development organizations has been incredible," adding that they "look forward to becoming an outstanding member of the Gwinnett County community."
The reveal was made as part of the Gwinnett County delegation's 12 day business trip to Asia, during which it rolled out plans for several companies to make the move to American soil. On top of these announcements, the group also met with prominent government and corporate figures to explore further opportunities and leverage its local presence.
"It's a testament to Georgia's strong manufacturing network when cutting-edge companies such as DuraMax® choose our state to locate their new facility," says Yoonie Kim, the Georgia Department of Department of Economic Development Senior Project Manager. She added that "DuraMax® will serve as a magnet for suppliers that produce automotive parts for the company as well as strengthen our automotive supplier chain."
When all is said an done, DuraMax's Gwinett facility will take up a little over 12,000 square feet, and will be the home base for the company's American warehouse operation. It's only the first step for DuraMax's move: the company is planning on expanding its American presence even further in the future, and is also looking for other global markets to break into.
DuraMax was able to lease its location in part through the help of Allan Anderson, the Senior Vice President for Dexter Companies LLC.
The Gwinnett Chamber of Economic Development's mission is to tirelessly build and support the region's reputation as a hub for international businesses, and has recently closed several big partnerships. It currently is home to branches of over 600 international companies.
Its Asian delegation includes Jace Brooks of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, Bucky Johnson, the Mayor of Norcross, Nick Masino, the Senior Vice President of the chamber, and Andrew Carnes, the chamber's Director of Economic Development.