Electric vehicle parts factory coming to Ala.

MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. – A $59 million factory is coming to Alabama and will produce battery trays for electric vehicles.

The DURA Automotive Systems project, announced Tuesday, will help the state’s automotive sector keep pace with the industry, said Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield.

“DURA Automotive Systems’ decision to locate its EV battery tray manufacturing facility in Muscle

Shoals reflects the expanding capabilities of the automotive supply chain for electric vehicle production in Alabama,” Canfield said. “Our auto industry is focused on the future and will continue to adapt to meet all challenges.”

“I’m very excited to see DURA Automotive Systems make a significant investment in Alabama and create career opportunities for our hard-working citizens in the Shoals,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “DURA is a great addition to the network of world-class auto suppliers that is spreading across Sweet Home Alabama.”

The project will create 279 jobs, Al.com reported. DURA, based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, is partnering with the Shoals Economic Development Authority on a $11.5 million expansion and build-out of a building at the Shoals Research Airpark.

“This investment represents Dura’s commitment to support global customers in the transition to electrified, high performance vehicles,”

DURA CEO Kimberly Rodriguez said, in a statement. “We are delighted to extend our well-established European expertise in design and manufacturing of lightweight structural architectures to the North American market.”

A Chevrolet Bolt EV battery pack is shown. A $59 million factory is coming to Alabama and will produce battery trays for electric vehicles.

DUANE BURLESON/AP 2016