State ranks first in auto manufacturing – Collierville Independent

By Sen. Dolores Gresham

Business Facilities, a national economic development publication, has released its annual state Automotive Manufacturing Strength ranking.
For an unprecedented fourth consecutive year, Tennessee has been named the No. 1 state in the nation for Automotive Manufacturing Strength.
“This impressive distinction further solidifies Tennessee’s position as a global leader in automotive manufacturing strength,” Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. “When internationally renowned companies like General Motors, Magneti Marelli, Nissan and Volkswagen choose to relocate and expand in our state, it extends Tennessee’s place at the top beyond the U.S. and into today’s globally competitive environment. I could not be more pleased to hear this great news.”
“With VW intent on selling at least 1 million vehicles in the North American market, its new Chattanooga plant is ramping up to full production,” Business Facilities Editor in Chief Jack Rogers said. “Renewed commitments from GM, Nissan’s electric-car line scaling up in Smyrna and a growing supplier network have kept Tennessee in a commanding position in our automotive strength evaluation.”
Tennessee is home to Nissan, Volkswagen and General Motors production hubs. With more than 900 auto manufacturers and suppliers statewide, Tennessee is reaping the benefits of a strategic focus on the automotive sector. In fiscal year 2012-2013, 44 automotive projects created 6,662 new jobs in Tennessee and investments totaled close to $1.1 billion.
In June, Nissan celebrated 30 years of manufacturing at its Smyrna plant by adding more than 900 jobs to support future production of the Nissan Rogue. Nissan’s announcement marks the first time the Rogue will be produced in the U.S.
Also in June, top global automotive systems and components supplier Magneti Marelli inaugurated its new U.S. automotive lighting plant in Pulaski, Tenn. The plant represented a $53.7 million investment and the creation of 800 new jobs.