ARC Automotive Expands Innovation Valley Operations, Creates 115 Jobs
Knoxville, TN (PRWEB) September 04, 2013 -- ARC Automotive, Inc. announced it will expand its existing Knoxville location today. The expansion in Innovation Valley, necessitated by the company’s growing domestic and international customer base, represents an investment of $3 million and will create 115 new jobs in Knox County.
“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,” said Gabe Bucca, vice president of human resources for ARC Automotive. “We value our relationship with the state of Tennessee, TVA and our local partners in Knoxville and thank them for helping this project become a reality.”
ARC Automotive is a global manufacturer of inflator products for airbag applications including driver, passenger, side and curtain automotive airbag inflators. The company, headquartered in Knoxville, has offices in Japan and Korea and manufacturing facilities in China and Mexico.
“We are particularly excited about this expansion since it represents re-shoring of equipment and jobs from Mexico to Knoxville,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president for economic development for the Knoxville Chamber. “Innovation Valley is very fortunate in that it’s seeing a good deal of activity currently from the automotive sector.“
The Knoxville plant, located at 1611 Third Creek Road, specializes in research, engineering, prototype, and production. The company plans to fill the majority of the new positions within the first year of the expansion.
“I’m pleased that ARC Automotive, a longtime Knoxville manufacturer, is adding jobs and new equipment to its Third Creek airbag component manufacturing operations,” Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero said. “This expansion validates that Knoxville continues to be a strong location for the automotive sector.”
“ARC Automotive’s expansion of their existing plant in Knox County is good news and I’m confident that they will continue to see success in this highly competitive industry,” Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said. “Our low taxes and conservative fiscal management make Knox County a great place to do business.”
About Innovation Valley:
Innovation Valley is the regional economic development initiative centered on a 25-mile Technology Corridor with world-class resources in science, technology, and business. Experience shows that a regional approach to economic development offers the most advantages to businesses planning a corporate relocation or expansion and the communities involved. Visit http://www.knoxvilleoakridge.com for more information.
Jenny Woodbery, Innovation Valley, http://www.knoxvilleoakridge.com, 865-246-2603, [email protected]
Share this article