Chrysler supplier to expand in Sanford

Magneti Marelli Powertrain Systems USA plans to invest $15 million in the expansion to add three production lines and high-end machinery to its 250,000-square-foot plant in Sanford.

"This project could have gone to another domestic location, one of our other global plants or to a competitor," Director of Manufacturing Terry Russell said in a statement. "Sanford was able to demonstrate a competitive advantage over other facilities both inside and outside our company."

Magneti Marelli, part of an Italy-based firm that designs and produces high-tech engine and transmission component systems for the auto industry, opened its Sanford plant in 1976 and now employs about 290 there.

Russell said the new jobs will be in all areas of production – die-casting, machining, plastic molding and assembly – as well as support areas like maintenance, logistics and engineering.