Cataler North America Corporation announces new location in Hickory

HICKORY, N.C. – The City of Hickory, Catawba County, and the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) welcomed Cataler North America Corporation, a Toyota Motor Corporation affiliate, as the third tenant in the Trivium Corporate Center. Cataler North America Corp., a subsidiary of Cataler Corporation headquartered in Kakegawa, Japan, plans to construct a 100,000 square foot expandable to 300,000 square foot manufacturing facility for the production of automotive catalysts for some of the world’s largest producers of automobiles. Over the next five years Cataler NA plans to create 151 jobs and invest a minimum of $42 million in new facility construction, machinery, and equipment. Salaries for the new employees will vary by position and experience. Once all positions are filled, the annual payroll impact will be more than $7 million. The overall average salary will be higher than the Catawba County average wage.

As part of the project, approximately 23 acres owned by the Trivium Corporate Center Inc., a non-profit entity jointly developed and funded by Catawba County and the City of Hickory, will be sold to Cataler NA for its second North American production facility. The new facility will allow production of automotive catalysts with the latest technologies and provide support for Cataler’s growing and evolving customer base. 

“The catalysts that Cataler North America produces help clean the air we breathe and make our world a better place to live”, said Nakaba Tamura, Cataler North America Corp President. Mr. Tamura also stated “We greatly appreciate the support from the State of North Carolina, Catawba County, and the City of Hickory on this expansion project to fulfill the needs of our customers and improve our environment.”  

"With the addition of Cataler North America, the automotive components cluster continues to grow in Catawba County," said Randy Isenhower, chair, Catawba County Board of Commissioners and chair, Trivium Corporate Center Board of Directors. “There are currently over 2,500 people employed in automotive parts manufacturing in the county, and we welcome Cataler to our family of automotive industries. “

“Cataler uses world-class technology in design and production of exhaust catalysts for many of the world’s largest automobile companies,” adds Hickory Mayor Hank Guess. “Trivium Corporate Center appealed to the company’s desire to locate in an upscale business park which is close to amenities and a strong transportation network."

"Jobs and investment in the corporate park have exceeded our expectations with now three companies locating in less than 18 months since breaking ground,” said Mick Berry, Catawba County Manager and Trivium Corporate Center President. “The leadership of County Commissioners and Hickory City Council is bringing to reality their vision of economic opportunity for our citizens. County tax dollars and the bond funds approved by Hickory voters are being prudently invested to generate this economic growth”.

"Cataler NA has a solid reputation of being a strong corporate citizen and community partner, and we are grateful they have chosen to locate in Catawba County,” said Robin Nicholson, chair of Catawba County EDC. “The EDC looks forward to supporting this 52-year-old global company as they establish their second US manufacturing location.”

Cataler NA plans to hire a variety of employees for the new manufacturing operation, in areas of production, engineering, human resources, information technology, maintenance, quality, safety, and supply chain logistics. Hiring is expected to begin early 2021.

Local incentives will be considered for the project at upcoming public hearings by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners and Hickory City Council.

About Cataler Corporation and Cataler NA
Cataler North America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cataler Corporation, a Japanese-based firm that operates seven manufacturing facilities across the globe. Cataler North America, established in 2002, is located in Lincolnton and supplies automotive catalysts for some of the world’s largest producers of automobiles.

### 

Media Contact:
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation
Scott Millar
828-267-1564
smillar@catawbacountync.gov                          

SEE ADDITIONAL COVERAGE:

151 jobs promised as auto parts maker commits to Catawba County (Hickory Daily Record)
Manufacturing Coming to Trivium Corporate Center (WHKY)
Auto parts manufacturer to build second plant in region, creating 150 jobs (Charlotte Business Journal)
More about new Cataler plant planned for Hickory (Lincoln Herald)
Automotive supplier Cataler to build second manufacturing facility in NC bringing 151 jobs to Hickory (NC Department of Commerce)
Cataler plans 2nd plant in NC in Hickory (Business Today)
Japan-based Cataler North America eyes manufacturing plant in Hickory, North Carolina (Area Development)