By Charles Compton
Berea, KY – Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas will build a second plant in Berea. The plant, which will produce electric drive motors for hybrid and electric vehicles, will create 130 new jobs. Company officials say it represents a $75-million investment. Hitachi, which also has locations in Harrodsburg and Berea, purchased a 151,000 square-foot facility on 65 acres for the project. The Berea facility, which once manufactured electrical products, will be retooled. It will make motors for advanced hybrid electric powered automobiles, including the Chevy Volt. Additionally, Hitachi's Kentucky plants will eventually produce other products for hybrid vehicles such as lithium-ion batteries and electric inverters.