If you’ve ever driven through Chilton County, you know it’s famous for peaches. But honestly, if you head down 7th Street South in Clanton, you’ll find something just as vital to the local economy that has nothing to do with fruit. Kumi Manufacturing Alabama (KMA) is tucked away there, a massive plastic injection molding facility that basically keeps the regional automotive supply chain from falling apart.
It’s a Tier-1 supplier. That’s industry speak for "we ship directly to the big guys." Specifically, they are a major partner for Honda. While the average person might not recognize the name Kumi, there’s a high probability you’ve touched their work today if you drive a late-model Japanese car. Door panels, interior trim, exterior molds—it’s all produced right there in Clanton.
Why Kumi Manufacturing Clanton AL Is a Big Deal
KMA isn’t some small-town workshop. It’s a wholly owned subsidiary of Kamco Industries, which itself falls under the massive umbrella of Kumi Kasei Co., Ltd., a Japanese company with over a century of history. They set up shop in Clanton back in 2000 and started operations in 2001.
Since then, they've grown into the second-largest employer in the county. Only Adient (the seating guys) is bigger.
The scale of the place is actually pretty wild. We’re talking about a facility that houses over 20 injection molding machines. These aren't your hobbyist 3D printers; these are industrial beasts ranging from 110-ton units to 2000-ton behemoths. They ship roughly 900,000 parts every single month. To hit those numbers, the plant usually runs 24/7 with three shifts.
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The Workforce Reality
People in Chilton County often talk about "the Kumi." It’s known as a place where you can get a foot in the door without a fancy degree, but the work is demanding.
As of January 2026, entry-level machine operator roles typically start between $16 and $19 an hour. It sounds decent for the area, but you've gotta be ready for the "industrial athlete" lifestyle. You’re on your feet for 12 hours. You’re dealing with 5S principles (the Japanese system for organization). It’s hot, it’s noisy, and the pace of the conveyor lines doesn’t care if you’re tired.
The jobs aren't just for line workers, though. The facility requires a deep bench of technical talent:
- Tooling Technicians: These folks maintain the injection molds.
- Process Coordinators: They manage the flow and ensure the "Plex" (their ERP system) stays updated.
- Quality Inspectors: They check for "flash" or warping on every single part.
- Maintenance Admins: They keep the 2000-ton machines from blowing a seal at 3:00 AM.
What They Actually Make
Most people assume "plastic parts" means cheap toys. In reality, KMA focuses on high-precision interior and exterior components. They use a proprietary technology called "KISS molding" (developed by the parent company Kumi Kasei) to create something they call Piano Black finishes.
If you’ve ever seen a car interior with that deep, glossy, mirror-like black trim that looks like a grand piano—that’s often their handiwork. It’s a specific chemical and thermal process that achieves a high-gloss finish without needing paint, which is better for the environment and cheaper for the car brands.
They also handle:
- Grab rails: The "oh crap" handles above the doors.
- Exterior trim: Fender liners and trunk side components.
- General resin parts: Everything from door pockets to dashboard clips.
Living the "KMA Way"
Kumi Manufacturing Alabama operates under a philosophy that basically says you won’t grow unless you’re challenged. It’s a very Japanese corporate culture transplanted into the heart of Alabama.
They emphasize "Co-Creation." This means they don't just wait for a blueprint; they work with Honda and other OEMs from the initial design stage. They help figure out how to make a part lighter or stronger before the first mold is even cast. For a town like Clanton, having this level of high-tech engineering right off I-65 is a massive win for local "brain drain" prevention.
Economic Impact and Environmental Footprint
It’s not all just plastic and paychecks. KMA has to play by some pretty strict environmental rules. They are ISO 14001 certified, which basically means they have to prove they aren't dumping resin pellets into the local water supply.
They also use "regrind" processes. When a part comes off the line with a defect, it’s not always trash. They often grind it back down into raw plastic pellets to be fed back into the machines. It’s efficient, and honestly, it’s the only way to stay profitable when you’re shipping nearly a million parts a month.
Misconceptions About Working There
You’ll hear mixed reviews if you hang out at the Peach Tower long enough. Some say the overtime is brutal. Others love the stability.
One thing people get wrong is thinking it’s a "dumb" labor job. It’s not. Operating a 2000-ton injection mold requires understanding pressure curves, temperature fluctuations, and cycle times. If the heat is off by just a few degrees, you end up with a hundred thousand dollars' worth of scrap.
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Pay Reality Check:
While senior managers and engineers can pull in $130k to $170k, the bulk of the workforce is in that $35,000 to $45,000 range. It’s a solid living for Clanton, but the 2nd and 3rd shifts are where most of the hiring happens. If you want the "normal" 9-to-5 life, KMA might be a tough adjustment.
Taking Action: How to Navigate KMA
If you are looking to do business with them or looking for a job, you need to be direct. They don't do much "fluff" marketing.
- For Job Seekers: Don't just show up. They primarily use online portals like ZipRecruiter or their own site for "Molding Machine Operator" roles. Be prepared for a drug screen and a physical—they are strict about safety.
- For Contractors: They are a Tier-1, so they have their own supply chain requirements. If you're a local vendor, you’ll need to prove you can handle their "Plex" system integration.
- For Locals: Keep an eye on the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce. KMA is active there, and they often host recruitment fairs when they expand a line.
Kumi Manufacturing Alabama is basically the silent engine of Clanton's industrial sector. It’s a blend of Japanese precision and Alabama grit. Whether you're driving past it on the way to Montgomery or looking for a career change, it’s a place that demands respect for the sheer volume of "stuff" it puts out into the world.
To move forward with KMA, your best bet is to check their current openings on the Kumi Alabama careers page or contact the Chilton County Chamber for upcoming industrial job fairs. If you're a supplier, ensure your quality management systems are ISO-compliant before reaching out to their procurement office.