Worthington Industries expands to power the electric future in Mexico

Apodaca, Mexico, October 15, 2023 - The expansion of Tempel Steel, a subsidiary of Worthington Industries, located in Apodaca, Mexico, not only marks a significant development in the steel industry but also underscores the growth and potential of the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Tempel Steel has been an integral part of Worthington's strategy since its acquisition in 2021. This acquisition wasn't merely an addition to their portfolio but a commitment to lead in the emerging market of electrical steel. According to Geoff Gilmore, Chief Operating Officer of Worthington Industries, the expansion is "another demonstration of our commitment to this market and to our employees at Tempel."

The decision to redesign and relocate manufacturing operations to an adjacent building is not taken lightly. With an expanded production area at Tempel's Focused Plant, the facility will specialize in producing high-engineering laminations specifically designed for electric vehicle traction motors. Given the global surge in the transition to electric mobility, the ability to manufacture specialized components at scale will be crucial to meeting demand.

The expanded plant is expected to be operational from 2024, positioning Tempel Steel in Apodaca as the primary manufacturing facility for electric vehicle motor and transformer components in the region.

Labor Growth

This expansion is not just an investment in infrastructure and technology; it's also an investment in people. Tempel Steel in Apodaca already boasts a robust workforce of over 500 members. With this expansion, Tempel plans to add more than 400 new jobs to the region over the next five years.

This investment in the workforce is a testament to Worthington's confidence in the talent and expertise of Apodaca. The symbiotic relationship between the company and the community ensures not only the production of high-quality components but also socio-economic development in the area.

Tempel Steel, a subsidiary of Worthington Industries, has positioned itself as a global leader in the manufacturing of high-precision electrical steel laminations. Its presence extends beyond Mexico, with facilities in the United States, Canada, China, and India.

Worthington Industries' vision is clear: to be the transformative partner of its customers and provide innovative solutions. For over 60 years, Worthington has served diverse industries, from automotive to construction. Now, with its focus on electrical steel and electric vehicles, it is gearing up to actively participate in the next industrial revolution.