Tennessee’s tech & business ecosystem received another boost from one of the world’s largest automotive technology, systems and components suppliers, DENSO, which announced its intent to invest $190 million to expand its Athens manufacturing facility. This most recent investment will create 320 new jobs across production, facility operations, engineering, administration and other skilled-trade positions. It follows DENSO”s commitment this past September to make a $1 billion investment into its Maryville facility, creating 1,000 new jobs.
High Cantrell, director of Administrative Services at DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee, spoke about the investment, saying, “Increasing our capacity to manufacture products closer to customers in North America will continue to power DENSO’s growth in the region.”
DENSO views their expanding commitment as being “the latest in a line of strategic investments in North America” and foresees Tennessee becoming a primary manufacturing center. Also, according to the press release, DENSO sees the US economy as having continuing growth due to favorable policies, including recent tax reform, and therefore will be advancing automotive innovation and manufacturing in the US.
DENSO based in Japan has extensive North American based operations that employs more than 23,000 people at 28 consolidated subsidiaries and 4 affiliates. In the United States DENSO employs over 17,000 people in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Iowa, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
