Delphi facility gets big investment | Business

BROOKHAVEN, MS (WLBT) - Delphi Automotive will invest $15 million to enhance its Brookhaven manufacturing facility, which means a couple hundred people will be keeping their jobs.

The investment is the result of Delphi -- a global supplier of electronics and technologies for the automotive industry -- securing business with a "major automotive customer," according to a news release from Gov. Haley Barbour.

The investment will be used to purchase new equipment and enhance the facility to manufacture a new version of the printed circuit boards currently manufactured at the plant.

The investment also means more than 200 jobs at Delphi will be retained, according to the release.

“I am delighted Delphi has looked to its Brookhaven facility to supply this new contract,” Gov. Haley Barbour said. “Delphi has been a key corporate citizen in southwest Mississippi for more than 30 years. The company’s decision to further invest in its Brookhaven plant is great news for southwest Mississippi.

The Mississippi Development Authority worked with local officials in support of the project, providing funding through the Momentum Mississippi incentives program and the Job Protection Grant Program. The Lincoln County Industrial Development Foundation and Entergy Mississippi also provided funding for the project.

“The commitment and support from the local union, plant management and local and state government helps position Delphi to effectively compete while maintaining our manufacturing operations in Brookhaven,” said Jim Spencer, President of Delphi Packard Electrical/Electronic Architecture. “The investment is a necessary element to continue Delphi’s delivery of innovative and technologically-advanced products and services.”

The Brookhaven facility opened in 1977. Delphi plans to begin production of the new product in March 2013.