Over the years, Tennessee’s business-friendly climate has attracted countless world-class companies.
Two decades ago, Nissan North America relocated its corporate offices from California and put down roots in Middle Tennessee. Nissan has since blossomed into one of the region’s largest private employees and an active corporate partner throughout the state.Now, Nissan’s sister company, Mitsubishi Motors North America, is following suit – joining a growing roster of international businesses that call Tennessee home.
Last month, Mitsubishi Motors announced plans to invest $18.25 million and relocate its headquarters to Franklin, Tenn. The move from California will mean a boost of 200 high quality office jobs in Williamson County.
We caught up with Fred Diaz, the president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, to talk about the company’s decision to move to Franklin and what’s in store for Mitsubishi in Tennessee.
How many states did Tennessee compete with for this project, and how long did the process take?
FD: We were initially looking at Arizona, North Carolina, Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. The early stages of the investigation began about a year ago, but the process really started to move along as we began to narrow our choices. Ultimately, our choice was between Dallas, Texas, and Franklin, Tennessee, and, as you know now, Franklin, Tennessee, won out.