Behr America building factory in Mexico

MEXICO CITY, April 6 (UPI) -- Behr America will build an auto air-conditioning and engine cooling system factory in northeastern Mexico this year.

The plant will supply engine-cooling units to automakers in Mexico and also export to the United States, company officials said Thursday. The facility will be built in two stages, with the first 130,000-square-foot building scheduled for completion by the end of 2006.

The initial investment is $13 million. When Phase One is completed, the plant is expected to employ 250 people with estimated annual sales of $110 million.

The new plant also will provide capacity to accommodate Behr America's business growth beyond 2007.