New jobs tileARC Automotive, Inc. announced today it will expand its Knoxville plant and add 115 jobs to meet its growing domestic and global sales.
The manufacturer of inflator products for airbag applications is spending $3 million to enlarge its 21-year-old complex. The company, headquartered in Knoxville, has offices in Japan and Korea and manufacturing facilities in China and Mexico.
"ARC has a long-standing presence in Knoxville with manufacturing and engineering operations located here since 1992," said Gabe Bucca, ARC's vice president of human resources. "ARC chose Knoxville for the expansion due in large part to its familiarity with the area labor market and continued dedication and hard work of its employees."
Recently named by Business Facilities magazine as the No. 1 state in the nation for automotive manufacturing strength for a fourth consecutive year, Tennessee is home to more than 900 automotive-related companies, including ARC Automotive. The Volunteer State has major auto assembly plants operated by General Motors in Spring Hill, Nissan in Smyrna and Volkswagen in Chattanooga.
"Fast-growing, forward-thinking companies like ARC Automotive not only see the benefits of doing business in Tennessee, but also focus their efforts to return high quality manufacturing jobs from overseas markets," said Bill Hagerty, Tennessee's commissioner for economic and community development.
The announcement of the expansion by ARC comes just a day after auto parts supplier Calsonic Kansie North America said it will add 1,200 jobs at plans in Lewisburg, Shelbyville and Smyrna, Tenn.