SaeHaeSung Alabama is expanding its Andalusia operation by a third, which should ultimately mean more local jobs.

Mayor Earl Johnson announced late Friday that he and Mr. In-Tae Heo, president of SaeHaeSung Alabama, had finalized the agreement, which was the result of several months of negotiations.

Johnson and other representatives of the city visited Mr. Heo in South Korea in August.

“Mr. Heo is a dynamic, innovative businessman with a deep appreciation for his employees and a vision for the future that is unparalleled,” Johnson said. “He has a unique ability to prepare for the future and this expansion will put SaeHaeSung in a position to maximize the coming growth that the automotive industry sees ahead.”

SaeHaeSung is a tier two supplier of automotive parts that employs approximately 60 people in the Andalusia Industrial Park.

Johnson said he expects more employees will be needed there in the not too distant future.

“I know from past experience that SaeHaeSung will add to their workforce as their business increases. I am confident that they believe strongly that the American economy is on the verge of robust growth and they are preparing for it,” he said. “We are behind them and appreciate their presence in Andalusia and will do all that we can to ensure their success.”

Mr. Heo first visited Andalusia in 2006, as a guest of the Southeast Alabama Gas District, while looking for a place to expand to America. Since that time, SaeHaeSung has also acquired assets in India and has grown its operations at the company’s headquarters in Daegu, South Korea.

Johnson expressed his thanks to the Southeast Alabama Gas District for its economic development efforts.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the Southeast Alabama Gas District,” he said. “I want to thank Greg Henderson, president of the SEAGD, and Billy Joe Camp, the director of economic development of the SEAGD, for their continued support and work to grow our economy.”

Johnson said that he expects 2010 to be a good year for Andalusia and Covington County, economically speaking.

“We are working on several projects and developments that could ripen to the stage that we can make more announcements next year and beyond,” he said. “As you know, economic development is a slow, methodical process that takes a lot of time and diligence. However, we are working every day to bring more businesses to Andalusia and to expand our economy.”