JST Corp. is a Japanese company that makes electronic connectors found in nearly every industry, from the automotive and medical markets to robotics, gaming and even amusement. The company’s plant in Guntersville made every cable assembly used in The Las Vegas Sphere.

This week, JST announced a new project, a $500 million expansion effort in North Alabama. The move will create 80 new jobs and add 540,000 square feet. The component maker is familiar with expansion projects—it now has more than 70 facilities in 17 countries—but in some cases it has design aspirations that are particular. 

For example, renderings of JST’s project in Guntersville are striking—the factory looks like rolling hills with a few loading docks. The connector maker wants the new site to incorporate a “natural setting” on the 240-acre property at Conners Island Business Park. More of a peninsula, Conners Island is about 40 minutes southeast of Huntsville.

JST said the location is strategic given its proximity to Alabama’s auto manufacturing industry. However, Kevin Lauret, plant manager for the new facility, said the type of property also played a key role. 

The architectural design is meant to reflect and protect the natural setting adjacent to Lake Guntersville. The company’s development philosophy is heavily influenced by Japanese beliefs that view land and nature as sacred. 

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