Leading Global Automotive Supplier to Invest More Than $85 Million, Create 400 Jobs
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee (DMAT) officials announced today the company will expand production of its gasoline direct injection (GDI) capability in Athens by building a new 224,000 square foot facility at its existing location. DENSO, a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components, will invest more than $85 million and create 400 new jobs over the next three years in McMinn County.
The announcement marks DMAT’s third major investment in an 18-month period. The overall expansion effort will represent a total investment of approximately $190 million and more than 700 new jobs. Production at the new facility will begin in July 2016.
“We want to thank DENSO for its third big investment in the last year and a half, creating 400 new jobs in McMinn County,” Haslam said. “In Tennessee, we’re focused on a business environment that not only makes companies confident to locate here but also gives them the support to grow and expand. Today’s announcement is great news for Athens and brings us another step closer toward our goal to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“I’m pleased to see the progress DENSO has made in Athens and the jobs that have been created from the company’s third major announcement in less than two years,” Boyd said. “Tennessee’s automotive strength is reinforced by companies, like DENSO, that make quality products for suppliers throughout the United States. I appreciate DENSO for the new jobs that will be offered to McMinn County’s skilled workforce and look forward to seeing the company’s continued growth and success.”
“This project is critical to support the growing need of gasoline direct injection in North America as automakers are turning to this technology to help meet fuel-efficiency and emissions regulations,” Brian Nolen, General Manager of DMAT’s Gasoline Products Manufacturing Division, said. “The localization of gasoline direct injection technology is resulting in new jobs, new production lines, new approaches to training and new growth among our supply partners in North America.”
DMAT currently employs a workforce of more than 1,450 and has been producing fuel injectors since 1998 for the North American region. DENSO’s latest generation of GDI technology is geared to deliver more power and lower emissions while being more compact.
“Athens is delighted with the announcement of the expansion of DENSO Manufacturing,” Athens Mayor Ann Davis said. “The trust and confidence that the company has shown in our city and county has meant many new jobs for our citizens which, in turn, encourages us to continue our efforts and programs developed to ensure a skilled and trained workforce. We are grateful to have such a widely known and respected industry in Athens, Tennessee.”
“DENSO Manufacturing’s latest announced expansion further reinforces the positive relationship McMinn County has enjoyed with the company for the past 17 years,” McMinn County Mayor John Gentry said. “This is exciting news for the entire region, and we appreciate DENSO’s continued faith in the McMinn County workforce. I would like to thank the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, McMinn County EDA and the city of Athens for their diligent efforts in making this expansion a reality. McMinn County remains committed to providing an environment where companies can flourish and looks forward to working with DENSO to enable future growth.”
“TVA and Athens Utilities Board congratulate DENSO Manufacturing on its announcement to expand in Athens, Tennessee,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “We are pleased to partner with the state of Tennessee, city of Athens and the McMinn County Economic Development Authority to support DENSO’s expansion and major investment that will create hundreds of new jobs.”
“We are so pleased with DENSO’s decision and their continued success,” Frank Snyder, chairman of the McMinn County Industrial Development Board, said. “DENSO is a wonderful corporate citizen and this expansion is a big boost for McMinn County and our surrounding communities given the great jobs that DENSO provides. The expansion also says a lot about DENSO’s commitment to this area and their optimism for our combined future.”
Interested persons can submit their resumes online at www.densocareers.com, by emailing [email protected], or mailing a copy directed to DENSO Staffing to 2400 Denso Drive, Athens, Tennessee 37303.
About DENSO
DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world’s major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions and employs nearly 140,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, totaled US$39.8 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges.
About DENSO in North America
Currently in North America, DENSO employs more than 17,000 people at 32 consolidated companies and affiliates. Of these, 28 are manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. In the U.S. alone, DENSO employs more than 14,000 people in California, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, Alabama and Arkansas. DENSO’s North American consolidated sales totaled US$7.9 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DENSOinNorthAmerica
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named 2014 and 2013 “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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