Auto parts plan to expand in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Japanese company that makes industrial components and parts for automobiles is expanding its plant in South Carolina's Richland County.

The South Carolina Commerce Department said Tuesday that JTEKT Corp. is investing an additional $130 million into its Koyo brand bearing plant. The company plans to hire 175 new workers.

The plant near Blythewood makes bearing hub units for Toyota, BMW, General Motors and other companies.

Company officials say they will begin construction on the expansion in January and hope to hire the new workers later in 2013.