OXFORD, AL — Kobay South has officially broken ground on a major expansion of its manufacturing facility in Oxford, marking a significant investment in the region’s industrial growth and workforce development.
The project will add 60,000 square feet of new manufacturing space and is expected to create approximately 50 new jobs. Company officials say the expansion will enhance production capabilities, including increasing heavy stamping capacity up to 2,500 tons, allowing Kobay South to better support both new and existing automotive programs.
Gavin Galansky, president of Kobay South, said the expansion reflects the company’s continued commitment to its Alabama operations and workforce.
“This expansion reflects our long-term commitment to the region and the strength of our team here in Alabama,” Galansky said. “It allows us to better support our customers, grow our capabilities, and continue building a skilled workforce for the future.”
In addition to physical growth, Kobay South continues to invest in workforce development through partnerships with training programs such as the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) and the Consortium of Machining Education and Training (CoMeT) at Gadsden State Community College. These programs are designed to help prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing and strengthen the regional talent pipeline.
Local leaders highlighted the broader economic impact of the expansion. Larry Deason, chairman of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council Board, said the project supports long-term industrial growth in the area.
“Kobay South represents the kind of company that builds long-term value in a community,” Deason said. “Their continued investment, combined with the addition of new jobs, strengthens our workforce and reinforces the relationships that support sustained growth in our industrial sector.”
Oxford Mayor Alton Craft also expressed support for the project, noting the company’s longstanding presence in the city.
“Kobay South has been a valued member of our industrial community for years, and this investment reinforces their confidence in our workforce and our city,” Craft said. “We’re proud to support their expansion and the new opportunities it will create for our residents.”
The expansion comes as Kobay South approaches nearly a decade of operations in Oxford, having first opened its facility in 2016. The company has since grown into a key manufacturing partner, supporting automotive programs across North America.
With roots tied to Enstel Manufacturing, Kobay in Toronto, and origins in Japan, the company brings decades of experience in the automotive supply chain. Its capabilities include precision metal stampings, complex MIG and laser-welded assemblies, as well as tube bending and fabrication.
Construction is currently underway, and the new space is expected to support continued production growth in the coming years.
