Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. and Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan have entered into a joint venture with Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd. to manufacture tufted carpets for the automotive industry. The joint venture, to be called Tuftora Automotive Carpet, Inc., will be located in Chattanooga, employ approximately 20 people and produce 2.5 million square meters of carpet per year, and represents a total investment of $4 million.
“We welcome Tuftora as our community’s newest employer,” said Hamilton County Mayor Ramsey. “Tuftora’s decision to locate here underscores our region’s ability to compete for global economic development opportunities.”
“Over the last few years, we’ve focused on establishing international business relationships,” said Mayor Littlefield. “Because Tuftora is a joint venture, this project gives us the opportunity to build stronger relationships with three successful companies. I also thank Commissioner Matthew Kisber and the state of Tennessee for their critical role in making this announcement possible.”
"Tuftora's decision to choose Tennessee shows strong partnerships between the state and local communities can yield positive results," said Commissioner Matt Kisber. "We're grateful to Tuftora for helping build on a business relationship between Tennessee and Japan spanning more than 30 years and resulting in more than 40,000 Tennessee jobs."
Tuftora Automotive Carpet will produce and supply carpets to meet the Japanese automotive manufacturers’ specifications in response to the growing demand of Japanese vehicles manufactured in the United States. Tuftora Automotive Carpet will utilize Hasetora’s technology and experience along with Toyota Tsusho’s trading and logistics expertise. Supply will be made to Japanese automotive manufacturers through the Tier 1 suppliers.
According to Trevor Hamilton, Chief Economic Development Officer for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, "Reaching an agreement to establish Tuftora in Hamilton County required some of Chattanooga’s famous ‘Can-Do spirit.’ After the Chamber worked with the company as it considered a number of potential locations in multiple states, the site selection team decided that the best option was the building Chattanooga Labeling Systems Inc. was using for its operation,” said Mr. Hamilton. “We are indebted to Marvin Smith, president of the Chattanooga Labeling, for coming to a solution that will be a win-win for both companies by agreeing to relocate the company’s operations to make room for Tuftora.”
The new Tuftora facility will be located at 351 Labeling Way in Lookout Valley. Chattanooga Labeling Systems, Inc. will relocate its operations to the former Anchor Glass facility on West 45th Street in the Alton Park area of Chattanooga.
Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd. is the leading manufacturer of tufted carpet for automotive and household goods in Japan. Hasetora is especially strong in the automotive industry and is a key supplier for many Japanese automotive manufacturers.
The Toyota Tsusho group’s business lines range from trading commodities and other products to logistics and manufacturing. The Toyota Tsusho Group is the market representative of Hasetora carpets in the automotive industry. With the launching of Tuftora Automotive Carpet, the Toyota Tsusho Group continues to strengthen its automotive industrial materials business around the world. In addition to Tuftora Automotive Carpet, the Toyota Tsusho group has two projects in China, one with Hasetora for tufted carpeting and the other for needle punched carpeting.