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October 28, 2024 | Katelyn Biefeldt

200 new jobs come to McMinn County as DENSO announces expansion

The expansion includes 54,560 square feet of new production space and renovations to existing areas.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, alongside Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and DENSO officials, announced last Thursday a significant expansion of DENSO’s manufacturing operations in Southeast Tennessee. The automotive technology leader is expanding its facility in Athens, adding 54,560 square feet of production space and renovating existing areas, further solidifying its commitment to the region.

As part of this expansion, DENSO will invest $100 million in the Athens facility and create 200 new jobs, reinforcing its role as the largest employer in McMinn County. With this latest investment, DENSO continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation in Tennessee.

“DENSO is one of Tennessee’s largest employers, and I thank them for being a valued partner in creating greater opportunity for Tennesseans over nearly three decades. This expansion underscores that the state with the workers will win every time, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these 200 new jobs will bring to families in McMinn County,” Lee said.

DENSO’s presence in Tennessee began in 1988 with its Maryville operations. The company expanded to Athens in 1997, producing critical vehicle components such as ignition systems, exhaust systems, and gasoline delivery systems. This latest expansion will increase the Athens site’s total footprint to 879,000 square feet and broaden the range of products manufactured at the facility. The leader of DENSO North America South Sub-Region Manufacturing and President of the Company’s Athens Facility, Marty Deschenes said the company is doubling down on its commitment to East Tennessee.

“As a company that’s proud to call Athens home for nearly 30 years, this day opens another chapter in how we strive to provide great career opportunities locally while contributing to greener and safer mobility across North America. We appreciate Gov. Lee, the State of Tennessee, and all involved in this project for their steadfast support. Working together, we can help our communities thrive and ensure that East Tennessee is a hub for creating the jobs and technologies of the future,” Deschenes said.

A key highlight of the expansion is the production of DENSO’s latest heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This new product line is designed not only to improve passenger comfort but also to enhance the efficiency of traditional, hybrid, and electric vehicles—aligning with DENSO’s broader mission to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient world.

Tennessee’s Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) has been instrumental in supporting this expansion, as part of its broader efforts to foster economic development across the region. Since 2020, TNECD has backed more than 40 economic projects in Southeast Tennessee, resulting in approximately 5,700 new job commitments and over $2.6 billion in capital investments.

With its growing presence in Tennessee and an expanding workforce, DENSO is positioned to continue making significant contributions to the state’s economic landscape while delivering cutting-edge automotive solutions.



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