It helps to be a known quantity and that familiarity helped Guntersville land a $500 million electronics plant.

Japan-based JST said Friday it will build an automation-based facility in the city’s Conners Island Business Park. The project is expected to cover 540,000 square feet and feature a design that incorporates the natural setting of the 240-acre property next to Lake Guntersville.

The company, which has had another facility in the park since 2003, originally announced its plans for the new plant in December 2024.

JST’s success in the city played a key role in its decision to choose the area for its first major investment in the southeastern U.S., officials said.

With companies such as Whirlpool, Electrolux, Ford, Tesla, Lucid Motors, Stellantis, General Motors and Bose as clients, the Guntersville plant has handled a number of significant projects, including supplying the cable assemblies for the Las Vegas Sphere.

“As chair of the Guntersville Industrial Development Board, I’m deeply grateful for the sustained investments and leadership from our state and local officials, and the partnership we share with Mayor (Leigh) Dollar and her team, local utilities, TVA, Snead State, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the governor’s office, and our legislative delegation,” said Zach Lee, chair of the Guntersville Industrial Development Board. “All these were critical not only to building the Conners Island park but also to the community and workforce development needed to attract industry and create good jobs.

“I can’t wait for our community to see this unique and beautiful manufacturing facility, and I’m excited that we were able to help create jobs right here in Guntersville.”

Kevin Lauret, the new facility’s plant manager, said the property itself played a key role in the company’s decision.

Continuing a JST tradition, the facility will feature an architectural design that reflects and protects the natural setting adjacent to the 69,000-acre Lake Guntersville.

JST’s architectural partner, Ryuchi Ashizawa of Osaka, has received international acclaim for seamlessly incorporating facility design, landscaping and natural resource preservation into his work.

“The property’s large footprint is ideal for JST’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” Lauret said. “Our plans include keeping the bulk of the property in its natural state.”

Lauret said some of the property will be available for public use. That includes retaining the Guntersville High School cross-country course which hosts large regional events at Conners Island.

Gov. Kay Ivey said the company’s expansion is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the local workforce, as well as years of strong partnerships with the surrounding community.

“When companies move to Alabama, the talented and hard-working people of our state come alongside them in every way. From committed employees to loyal supporters, they are focused on success,” Ivey said. “We are thrilled to see JST grow its presence in Guntersville and eager to watch this new operation come to life.”

Based on extensive robotic systems, every phase of production will be part of an automated process including injection molding, stamping and plating, as well as connector and cable assembly.

The combined manufacturing and design center will include a significant number of engineering and other professional positions.

The development will also include a 10,000-square-foot sales, marketing and engineering building adjacent to the design and production facility.

“Innovative companies like JST are the backbone of our thriving advanced manufacturing sector,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair. “They show what is possible when strategy, ingenuity and commitment combine in developments that help bring prosperity to every corner of the state.”

Based in Osaka, JST was founded in 1957 and operates 70 facilities in 17 countries. The company’s electronic connectors are used in industries including automotive, appliance, consumer electronics, medical, transportation systems, robotics, gaming and amusement and business equipment.

The company said the Conners Island location provides a strategic opportunity to expand its growing presence in Alabama’s extensive auto manufacturing industry.