Röchling Automotive celebrates opening at new Akron plant

AKRON, Ohio - Röchling Automotive, a company that makes plastic parts for cars, including for the new Chevy Cruze made in Lordstown, celebrated its Akron plant opening on Wednesday.

The facility is actually located in Springfield Township on Picton Parkway.

The plant ships about 1,000 parts a week, including active grill shutters.

Don Shepherd, operations manager,  said the shutters can also be used on other Chevy and Buick vehicles.  "The flaps will actually open and close which changes the aerodynamics of the car, which helps improve fuel efficiency," Shepherd said.

The auto supplier, which began production in October, marks the companies second location in the U.S. The other production plant is located in South Carolina.

"Our Akron plant brings us even closer to the largest North American automotive manufacturers," said Robert Eimer, GM. "We can now directly supply our customers with comprehensive underbody solutions and active grill shutter modules."

Current plans at Röchling include hiring 110 employees by year's end. Already, dozens have been hired, but recruiting will continue.

Röchling has been in communication with the University of Akron and Stark State College for co-op and apprenticeship programs to begin in early 2013.

Akron's Röchling plant is roughly 80,000 square feet and located near the Akron-Canton Regional Airport.