Automotive interior parts manufacturer Yanfeng Automotive Interiors will locate a new manufacturing facility in Chattanooga to support Volkswagen. This represents an investment of $55 million. The company will create 325 jobs by the time it starts production in late 2016.
The company will supply interior components, including floor consoles, instrument panels and trunk trim for future Volkswagen models, including the new mid-size SUV, to be built at the automaker’s Chattanooga assembly plant.
“Partnering with Yanfeng here in Tennessee puts in place a crucial pillar of Volkswagen’s growth strategy for our next phase of development and will allow us to be more competitive moving forward,” said Christian Koch, Volkswagen Chattanooga’s president and CEO. “This strong commitment from Yanfeng to Volkswagen and the state of Tennessee is part of the fulfillment of the vision that Volkswagen would serve as a magnet for more suppliers here near our plant,” Mr. Koch said.
“We are pleased to establish a facility in Chattanooga to support Volkswagen,” said David Wang, vice president, deputy general manager, North America. “We appreciate the partnership with our customer, as well as local and state officials, who are working closely with us to launch this new manufacturing location.”
“We want to welcome Yanfeng Automotive Interiors to Tennessee and thank the company for its investment in Chattanooga and Hamilton County,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. “As the world’s largest automotive interiors supplier, Yanfeng can locate anywhere in the world, and its decision to expand its global presence in Tennessee is another example of our state’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Bill Kilbride, president and CEO, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, said, “With more than 100 operating facilities around the world, having Yanfeng join our manufacturers here in Chattanooga and Hamilton County speaks to our growth as the Southeast home to advanced automotive manufacturing. This is a global world-class company and it’s our honor to welcome them to Chattanooga.”
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke said, “We welcome Yanfeng USA to Chattanooga and look forward to the hundreds of good, middle-class jobs that they will create. Yanfeng USA’s choice to invest here demonstrates again our success in growing the economy and making our city a world-class destination for innovation and the automotive industry.”
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger said, “Yanfeng USA is another success that validates our investment in Enterprise South. We’ve proven we’re an outstanding manufacturing location with a well-prepared workforce. We’re striving to enhance our career readiness still further by focusing on disciplines like science, technology, engineering and math in Hamilton County Schools.”
Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd said, “The strength of Tennessee’s automotive sector paired with our exceptional workforce help our state stand at the forefront when companies are looking for the optimal location to grow their operations. I thank Yanfeng Automotive Interiors for recognizing the advantages of doing business in Tennessee, for its investment in Chattanooga and the new jobs being created for East Tennessee citizens.”
Speaker Pro Tempore Bo Watson said, “It’s no surprise to me that Yanfeng Automotive Interiors has joined others in the automotive march to the South. What companies are realizing is the same thing that Volkswagen realized several years ago and McKee Foods has known for decades- southeast Tennessee is a great place to live and do business. The people have an incredible work ethic and our community is committed to developing the best trained workforce in the world. “
Open positions for the new Chattanooga facility will be posted at yanfengusa.com/careers.