June 18, 2026 — Auburn, Alabama
Governor Kay Ivey announced on June 18 that Vulcaflex S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of synthetic leathers used in the automotive industry, is opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn. The investment totals approximately $70 million and will create 130 jobs.
Vulcaflex — whose products serve the automotive industry in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — worked with the Alabama Department of Commerce’s European Office to select Alabama. The company has chosen Auburn Technology Park West for its site, which is already being prepped for construction.
“Alabama is pleased to welcome Vulcaflex to its new North American home in Auburn,” said Governor Ivey. CEO Roberto Bozzi called the North American market “of great importance” to the company’s future. “We are excited to establish in Alabama a complete production of our synthetic leather materials for the automotive industry in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.”
The announcement adds to Opelika-Auburn’s growing portfolio of international manufacturing investments, which also includes Hanwha Defense USA, Kamtec Auto USA, Miele, and the pending Brüggen KG cereal facility in Opelika.
Source: Governor’s Office, June 18, 2026; Opelika Observer, June 23, 2026; City of Auburn
From the Opelika Weekly News Digest — June 23–28, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
