SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (February 28, 2018) – DENSO, one of the world’s largest automotive technology, systems and components suppliers, is expanding its operations in North America through a $190 million investment in its Athens, Tennessee facility. The investment will add four new production lines and 320 jobs, increasing DENSO’s ability to produce and deliver key parts for its customers.

This is the latest in a line of strategic investments in North America and part of DENSO’s commitment to make Tennessee a primary manufacturing center. The US economy is expected to keep growing due to policies, including recent tax reform, and DENSO plans to continue advancing automotive innovation and manufacturing in the US. In September, DENSO announced a $1 billion investment in its Maryville, Tennessee facility, creating 1,000 jobs focused on electrification and safety systems.

“Increasing our capacity to manufacture products closer to customers in North America will continue to power DENSO’s growth in the region,” said Hugh Cantrell, director of Administrative Services for DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee. “This investment strengthens one of our key production centers. Athens has played a major role producing and supplying our customers with key components in fuel delivery, ignition, and exhaust gas systems.”

“DENSO’s investment of $190 million, which will add 320 jobs in Athens, Tennessee, is a vote of confidence in the U.S. economy and the American worker,” said Bill Hagerty, US ambassador to Japan.  “Another strong example of the deep strategic and economic ties between Japan and the U.S.  America is open for business!”

Investment details

This investment will create 320 new jobs across production, facility operations, engineering, administration and other skilled-trade positions. Athens will debut one new production line for Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) injectors, as well as one low pressure fuel pump, and two high pressure fuel pump production lines serving automakers across North America.

Those interested in a career at DENSO in Athens, Tennessee can apply here.

DENSO is a $48.3 billion global mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO invests in its 221 facilities in 35 countries to produce thermal, powertrain, mobility, electrification, & electronic systems, to create jobs that directly change how the world moves. The company's 170,000+ employees are paving the way to a mobility future that improves lives, eliminates traffic accidents, and preserves the environment. Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO spent 9.3 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. For more information about global DENSO, visit https://www.denso.com/global.     

In North America, DENSO employs 27,000+ engineers, researchers and skilled workers across 31 sites in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. In the United States alone, DENSO employs 17,000+ employees across 13 states and 25 sites. Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, in fiscal year ending March 31, 2019, DENSO in North America generated $10.9 billion in consolidated sales. Join us, and craft not only how the world moves, but also your career. For more information, go to https://www.denso.com/us-ca/en/.