Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty, along with Calsonic Kansei North America, Inc. (CKNA) officials announced the company will invest $109 million and add 1,200 new manufacturing jobs across its facilities in Lewisburg, Shelbyville and Smyrna, Tenn.
"We are grateful to Calsonic Kansei for this significant investment that is creating more than 1,000 Tennessee jobs,” Gov. Haslam said. “Along with supporting existing businesses, a big part of our economic development strategy is to focus on the things we do well, and this expansion further solidifies our state’s leadership in auto manufacturing.”
“For an unprecedented fourth year in a row, Tennessee ranks as the No. 1 state in the nation for automotive manufacturing strength and CKNA’s major investment in our state reaffirms why we continue to earn this distinction,” Hagerty said. “With a low tax rate, unbeatable logistical advantages and high quality workforce, Tennessee offers companies a unique opportunity to thrive. I appreciate Calsonic Kansei, Inc.’s investment and the valuable jobs they will provide for Tennesseans.”
This is the third 1,000 plus jobs announcement in the last two months. In July, global services company ARAMARK announced an investment of $20 million and the creation of 1,000 jobs for a new Business Services Center in Nashville. In late August, UBS—one of the world’s largest banking and financial services companies—announced the company will establish a shared services center in Nashville, investing $36.5 million and creating 1,000 new jobs over the next five years.
“CKNA is pleased to announce its largest expansion in our history in Middle Tennessee,” Calsonic Kansei North America Vice President Human Resources and Legal Bob Masteller said. “We’ll be adding 1,200 jobs across three of our locations in Middle Tennessee, and we are also grateful for the teamwork and cooperation with Gov. Haslam and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, who are partnering with us in this expansion. We believe the citizens of Tennessee are one of the best workforces in the world, and we are pleased to be a part of the community in Middle Tennessee.”
CKNA will invest $49.8 million at its Lewisburg facility, which manufactures electronic components for meters, inverters and dash electronics, and plastics components for interiors. Approximately 526 new jobs will be created over the next three years, in addition to the current 1,117 people already employed at this location. CKNA’s investment in Lewisburg will also include the construction of a new 300,000 square foot warehouse facility.
"We in Marshall County are excited about CKNA on their announcement of expansion and the creation of new jobs,” Marshall County Mayor Joe Liggett said. “This means more opportunities for those who are willing to work to be able to feed their families and pay their bills. CKNA is also to be commended on their commitment of capital investment in these counties."
CKNA will invest $57.6 million at its Shelbyville facility, which manufactures exhaust units, catalytic converters and manifolds. Approximately 489 new jobs will be created over the next three years, in addition to the 1,010 people who currently work at this location.
“I am proud of Calsonic,” Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray said. “They started with five people and we are very excited for their continued growth in our community. The financial investment Calsonic is making in Bedford County is invaluable.”
CKNA will invest $2.1 million at its Smyrna facility, which is located within the Nissan plant and places Calsonic products into the Nissan vehicles. Approximately 183 new jobs will be created over the next three years, in addition to the 469 people who are currently employed at this location.
“Rutherford County continues to benefit from the growth in the automotive industry, and we are delighted that Calsonic has decided to expand its presence in our community,” Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess said. “Calsonic has been a great business partner, and the new jobs will provide excellent opportunities for our citizens.”
“TVA congratulates Calsonic Kansei Corporation on the announcement to expand its automotive parts manufacturing operations in three middle Tennessee locations,” TVA senior vice president of Economic Development John Bradley said. “TVA and the local power service providers in these communities are pleased to partner with the State of Tennessee and local leaders as they help existing companies prosper and add quality jobs in our region.”
CKNA expects the expansions will be completed around December 2015.
Anyone interested in applying for a job at any of the CKNA locations can visit www.calsonic.com.
About Calsonic Kansei
Calsonic Kansei North America is the largest parts supplier to Nissan in North America. Calsonic Kansei is a global company that manufactures exhaust systems, thermal components, cockpit modules, consoles, front end modules and dash modules for the automotive industry as a tier 1 supplier.
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. 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: www.tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tnecd.
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