Automotive parts manufacturer to create 50 jobs
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with JTEKT Automotive Tennessee officials announced today the company will expand its manufacturing facility in Monroe County. The hydraulic and power steering parts manufacturer will invest $218.5 million and create 50 jobs in Vonore.
“I want to thank JTEKT for choosing to expand in Monroe County,” Boyd said. “JTEKT is one of over 900 automotive suppliers located throughout the state and it is exciting to have this great company strengthening Team Tennessee. I look forward to their future success and growth in our state.”
JTEKT Automotive Tennessee manufactures high quality hydraulic, manual and electric steering parts for both foreign and domestic automakers and has been doing so for over 25 years. JTEKT Automotive Tennessee operates as a subsidiary of JTEKT Corporation.
“Although we are investing in new equipment, this is also a huge investment in Vonore and Monroe County,” JTEKT Plant Manger Brad Franklin said.
“This is only made possible by the hard work and dedications from our employees and the community,” JTEKT Human Resource Manager Terry Knight said.
JTEKT plans to accommodate its growing market and meet future and current needs with this expansion. The new facility will be producing the next generation steering for customers such as Toyota, BMW, Honda and Nissan. The company plans to start production for its new facility in September 2016.
“We are proud to be a part of JTEKT’s announcement today and welcome the new jobs and capital investment for our citizens of Monroe County,” Monroe County Mayor Tim Yates said.
“We are very excited about the expansion. JTEKT has been a great asset to the community for many years and has provided a better quality of life for the citizens of Monroe County,” Bryan Hall, director of Monroe County Economic Development, said. “This expansion shows our level of commitment to our existing industries and economic development.”
“TVA and Loudon Utilities congratulate JTEKT Automotive on its latest announcement to add hundreds of new jobs in Vonore,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “It’s always an exciting day when an existing company is committed to continuing growth in our communities. We are pleased to partner with Monroe County Economic Development, Tellico Reservoir Development Agency and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to celebrate JTEKT’s continuing business success and commitment to grow in the Valley.”
Applications for these jobs will be accepted at JTEKT’s local office at 55 Excellence Way in Vonore. Job openings can also be seen on the company’s website www.jtekt-na.com/careers.
Vonore and Monroe County are represented by Sen. Mike Bell (R – Riceville), Rep. Jimmy Matlock (R – Lenoir City) and Rep. John Forgety (R – Athens) in the Tennessee General Assembly.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
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. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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