Auto parts maker Aisin opens plant in Anderson County

Aisin Automotive Casting Tennessee Inc., a subsidiary of Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., makes oil pumps, water pumps, pistons and cylinder head covers for Toyota, Honda and General Motors. Mass production began in July after the company spent $67 million to bring the facility to Clinton.

Company officials said they plan to hire nearly 40 more workers by the end of the year and more than double that by 2007.

“Another positive recruitment effort has come to fruition thanks to the collaboration of state and local government, and the best part of this partnership is the job opportunities this investment will create for hundreds of Tennesseans,” Gov. Phil Bredesen said during a grand opening celebration Wednesday.

Aisin announced in February 2004 its plans to build the 280,000-square-foot plant off Interstate 75, citing support from the state, Tennessee Valley Authority and the cities of Clinton and Oak Ridge.

State, local and federal governments contributed about $3 million in economic incentives, including $800,000 in jobs tax credits, $750,000 in infrastructure and training money and $500,000 in tax credits for the purchase of industrial machinery.

Clinton and Anderson County each gave $225,000 for infrastructure improvements. Oak Ridge put in $90,000 and TVA gave $300,0000.

More than 70 percent of new jobs created in Tennessee last year were the result of the state’s involvement in the growth and expansion of Tennessee companies, Bredesen’s spokeswoman Lydia Lenker said.

“This announcement is a very good example of the state and local cooperation that is part of the governor’s strategic vision for job creation in Tennessee,” she said.

Aisin’s plant will affect the entire region, said Tim Thompson, president of the Melton Hill Regional Industrial Development Association.

“It not only impacts Anderson County, but surrounding counties because (Aisin) will draw employees within a 45-minute drive,” Thompson said. “It’s really a regional impact.”

There are 160 Japanese companies employing more than 40,000 workers in Tennessee, Lenker said.