A steel tubing manufacturer with a 30-year history in the city has undergone a name change.
Nippon Steel Pipe America Inc. will continue to operate under the same ownership at 1515 E. Fourth St. in the Eastside Industrial Park after being founded as Seymour Tubing Inc. in 1989, a company spokesman said.
The change is effective today.
Brad Mullis, general manager of human resources and safety, said it is only a name change and the company has not been purchased.
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With several sister locations around the world, the name change reflects the company’s global connections and global capabilities, he said.
"We are not trying to leave Seymour or our history and intend to go another 30 years," he said. "We still operate by our message of small-town commitment, world-class quality."
The company was formed as a joint venture between Nippon Steel, Sumitomo Pipe and Tube Ltd. and Mitsui Trading Co.
Today, an 80 percent share is maintained by Nippon Steel and Sumikin Pipe Co. Ltd., and 20 percent is owned by Sumitomo Corp. Japan.
The company was incorporated March 22, 1989, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held April 26 of that yet. Production of steel tubing primarily for the automotive industry began in March 1990, Mullis said. The company now produces shock absorbers, struts, exhaust systems, side impact beams, wiring harnesses, steering, suspension systems and more.
Over the years, employment has grown to 543, according to data from Jackson County Industrial Development Corp. That makes it the ninth-largest employer in Jackson County.
The company presently employs people in engineering, purchasing, sales, accounting, human resources, safety and training, maintenance, wastewater treatment, quality, shipping and other related capacities.
There has only been one layoff of employees in the company’s history, according to a news release.
Mullis said the company has had 11 expansions, and the plant has grown to 480,000 square feet. In recent years, the company purchased the former ISA Recycling facility but has not yet fit it into an expansion.
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Information about Nippon Steel Pipe America Inc., 1515 E. Fourth St., Seymour
Former name: Seymour Tubing Inc. (From March 22, 1989, through March 31, 2019)
Founded: March 22, 1989
Expansions: 11
Employees: 543
Ownership: Nippon Steel, Sumikin Pipe Co. Ltd. and Mitsui Trading Co.
Production: Steel tubing primarily for the automotive industry
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