posted July 15, 2008
Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander and Reps. Zach Wamp and Lincoln Davis offered federal reaction to today’s announcement from Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. that it will build a U.S. automotive production facility in Chattanooga, where it will produce a car designed specifically for the North American consumer and invest $1 billion in the economy.
Corker, Alexander and Wamp joined Volkswagen and other Tennessee government leaders for the announcement at 11:30 a.m. at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga.
“Through twists and turns, our community has maintained focus, invested wisely and exercised tremendous effort and energy in recruiting a major employer to Enterprise South. The breaking of this final barrier and the realization of the vision to which we have held true will take us to levels we can only begin to imagine,” said Sen. Corker, who was mayor of Chattanooga when the infrastructure that established Enterprise South was built.
“Volkswagen is the very best manufacturer and partner we could possibly have in terms of our shared values and as a result of their enormous investment, not only will Chattanooga be forever changed, but our entire state will reap great benefits from the new suppliers that this facility will attract to the region, continued Corker. I am proud to have been part of a dedicated team which has worked seamlessly on this effort and celebrate this outstanding achievement for our city and our state.”
Sen. Alexander praised Volkswagen’s decision to locate at Enterprise South saying, “Volkswagen and Chattanooga, the ideal marriage: one of the world's most admired companies and one of America's most livable cities. This decision keeps Tennessee on the road to becoming the number one state in auto jobs. Congratulations especially to Governor Bredesen, Sen. Corker and Mayors Ramsey and Littlefield for their leadership.”
Rep. Wamp said, “I want to thank all the people who have contributed so much: all the manufacturers that persevered through the difficult years and all the people who never quit believing that we could do it. We can do great things. We can pay it forward to the next generation. This is a region that was known 100 years ago for illiteracy and poverty, and today Chattanooga is the place that this global manufacturer chose to make the vehicles of the future. That’s our destiny.
“There are seven support service jobs for every one manufacturing job, which means about 14,000 jobs created in this region for the 2,000 manufacturing jobs that Volkswagen will bring here. That is next-generation manufacturing in the heart of the technology corridor. This is generational, not just for this city and this region, but for the state and our nation because the energy and environmental challenges of this generation meet right here. As Volkswagen succeeds in our community, it will mean so very much.
“It was just a matter of time before a major auto manufacturer decided to locate at Enterprise South – and our time has arrived. This new partnership with Volkswagen showcases Chattanooga’s position as a manufacturing giant in the Tennessee Valley Technology Corridor. Our city is home to the National Center for Computational Engineering and is surrounded by major research centers like the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. As a result, Volkswagen will benefit from Chattanooga’s high-skilled, educated workforce, the region’s research capabilities and technical innovations and our incredible quality of life.”
Congressman Lincoln Davis, representing Tennessee’s Fourth District, which includes Marion, Sequatchie, and Bledsoe counties, released the following statement on Volkswagen’s plan to invest $1 billion in Tennessee:
“The news that Volkswagen will be heavily investing in our state has brought smiles to thousands of Tennesseans. This extraordinary announcement will mean economic development and job creation in the region for many years, and I commend the leaders in our state who worked so hard to make it happen.”
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey said, “I am thrilled that Tennessee was selected. We have worked very hard to make Tennessee attractive to new industry to bring new and better paying jobs to our state. It will bring a much needed boost to our economy. We have many skilled workers in our state and a work ethic that will prove invaluable to any employer, which Volkswagen obviously recognized.
“This announcement presents tremendous possibilities for the growth of many other associated industries that will come here as a result of the new plant as well. This is a great day for Chattanooga and for all of Tennessee!"
Rep. Eric Watson said, "This is outstanding news. I think the decision reflects what we all knew about Tennessee: that it is a great place to live and work. Chattanooga and the surrounding communities have really done a wonderful job showing Volkswagen the benefits of locating in Tennessee, a no-income tax state.
"In addition to the obvious benefit of the plant creating jobs and the contribution to Tennessee's economy, other suppliers will locate in and around Chattanooga because of the plant, creating even more jobs and economic prosperity-benefiting all Tennesseans. All of those who had a hand in highlighting Tennessee's advantages deserve a round of applause."
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