Component and parts manufacturer, Denso has announced plans to invest $1 billion its Maryville, Tennessee facility to expand its US footprint and allow for the supply of vehicle safety and electrification systems.
"This is an investment in the future of Denso, and also the future of transportation. We are seeing dramatic shifts in the role of transportation in society and this investment will help position us to meet those changing demands,” said Kenichiro Ito, chairman of Denso's North America board of directors and CEO of Denso International America.
Denso already produces starters, alternators, instrument clusters, safety products, and a wide range of electronic components and systems for the automotive industry at its operations in Maryville
The company’s latest investment will create about 1,000 new production and support jobs, including technicians and engineers.
It will also be used to expand multiple production lines to produce advanced safety, connectivity, and electrification products for hybrid and electric vehicles.
“These new products will radically improve fuel efficiency and preserve electric power by recovering and recycling energy, and by connecting all systems and products inside the vehicles,” said a Denso in a statement.
Denso announced a $400m investment in Maryville in 2015, adding 500 jobs and consolidating various warehouse operations into one central location. The company broke ground on that facility in July 2016 and it is due for completion this month.
The company also recently invested $75.5m in its Southfield, Michigan headquarters and Dublin, Ohio facilities.
