Global Automotive Supplier to Create 550 New Jobs
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with Ficosa North America officials announced today the company will expand its Tennessee presence by building a new state-of-the-art facility at the Highlands Business Park in Cookeville. The automotive supplier will invest $58 million in the Putnam County facility and create 550 jobs.
“We want to thank Ficosa for further investing in Tennessee and for creating 550 new jobs in the Upper Cumberland area,” Haslam said. “With more than 900 auto suppliers and manufacturers, our state is known worldwide for its strengths and momentum in the automotive sector, which help us move closer to achieving our goal of becoming the No.1 state in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“We aim to be the most aligned state in economic development from the state level to the local level to our educational partners, and today’s announcement demonstrates just what teamwork can accomplish,” Boyd said. “Thank you to Ficosa for choosing to grow in Tennessee and for trusting in our dedicated workforce and sound business climate.”
“This is a strategic move that will allow the consolidation of key operations and enable further future growth,” Ficosa’s Global Chief Executive Javier Pujol said. “This new state of the art facility will not only allow us to better serve our customers but also provide a better and more secure future for our Tennessee employees.”
Ficosa’s existing Tennessee plant in nearby Crossville produces mirror assemblies for Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler, General Motors and other auto manufacturers. The company will transfer the existing jobs to the new Cookeville facility, which will increase production capacity and allow components currently made in China and Mexico to be made in Tennessee.
“This is an exciting time for our community and our region,” Chairman of the Cookeville-Putnam County Industrial Development Board Dr. Robert Bell said. “Ficosa will provide excellent job opportunities for citizens all across Cookeville and the Highlands area. We are so thankful that the company has decided to locate here, and understand that this is a statement of respect for our communities and for our outstanding regional workforce. We appreciate the visionary efforts of our chamber, city, county, and state leaders who made this project happen. We also deeply appreciate the years of hard work on the part of many people that have led to this day, and we commit to continuing this hard work to make the Ficosa operation an outstanding success.”
“This project took longer than most, and I can’t speak highly enough of the cooperation and teamwork exhibited by all parties involved,” Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton said. “Ficosa will be the first company location in our Highlands Business Park and fits the bill to innovate, elevate and accelerate. Their location benefits our economy regionally, and we are proud to welcome them to our community.”
“We are extremely excited Ficosa has chosen Putnam County for its new expansion,” Putnam County Executive Randy Porter said. “They are a perfect fit for our new Highlands Business Park and our County looks forward to a long lasting relationship with them.”
The pre-production of the new facility is already underway and Ficosa will begin limited production from the new factory in mid-2016.
Cookeville and Putnam County are represented by Rep. Ryan Williams (R – Cookeville), Rep. Cameron Sexton (R – Crossville) and Sen. Paul Bailey (R – Sparta).
About Ficosa
Ficosa has its headquarters in Barcelona, and it is one of the top-tier global providers dedicated to research, development, production and sales of safety, communication and efficiency systems for the automotive industry. Founded in 1949 and committed to innovation, development and human values, Ficosa currently has nearly 8700 employees in 18 countries in Europe, North and South America and Asia, having consolidated net sales of 925 million Euros in December 2013. Rear-vision systems (interior/side mirror) are Ficosa’s main, globally renowned business, as recognized by the main OEMs worldwide. For more information visit ficosa.com.
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.
###
