Governor makes visit for Yorozu?s 20th anniversary
Gov. Phil Bredesen paid a visit to Warren County Thursday night to make remarks in celebration of Yorozu Automotive Tennessee?s 20th anniversary at a special company-sponsored dinner at McMinnville Country Club.
Employees with 20 years of service were recognized.
Prior to his speech, Bredesen pointed out the importance of supporting and recognizing existing industry in Tennessee, and congratulated Yorozu on its 20 years of operation.
?All of us in politics love to go to the openings of new plants and things like that,? Bredesen said. ?But the reality is that most of the new jobs come from expansion of existing businesses. One of the things I?ve tried to do is remember that our first priority is the ones who are already here and have made the commitment.?
?So when I had this chance to come down and help celebrate Yorozu?s 20 years here I wanted to take advantage of it,? Bredesen added. ?They?ve been great corporate citizens, they?ve been great employers and we need a lot more like them here in Tennessee.?
During his remarks, Bredesen spoke about Yorozu?s contribution to the community, and lauded the longevity of the plant in Warren County, something he credited to the dedication of the company?s management and employees and the quality of the products.
In his remarks, Yorozu president and COO Jack Phillips also praised Yorozu employees.
?I am constantly impressed by the dedication and passion that is expressed by all people at every level inside YAT,? Phillips said. ?During my 10 years we have seen some tough times financially and we have also seen some good times. During both good and bad times the character and passion of YAT colleagues ensures that we will be successful and we will continue to be better tomorrow than we are today. I want to thank everyone here for your dedication.?
When County Executive John Pelham took the podium, he talked about the effect Yorozu had on the local economy during some trying times, and the part his father, Zeke Pelham, played in bringing the company here.
?In 1985, the economy was heading downward in Warren County. Most workers from Warren and surrounding counties worked in agriculture or manufacturing,? Pelham said. ?Textile mills that had moved in during the ?60s were closing, and so were some manufacturing plants. The unemployment rate in Warren County was 17 percent. People had begun to denigrate the community.
?During this time, my father, and former county executive, H.T. ?Zeke? Pelham, who later was known by his many friends at Yorozu as ?Zeke-san,? traveled to Japan on an industrial recruiting trip for our county.?
The result of that visit was the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between the Yorozu corporation and Warren County.
?The official announcement of Yorozu locating in Warren County came on Aug. 15, 1986,? Pelham continued. ?The plant would be built to support Nissan Manufacturing Corporation as well as Calsonic Manufacturing Corporation in Shelbyville. The plant would produce metal stamping and welded assemblies for automotive chassis, as well as some lighter-weight parts.
?Employment at Yorozu was expected to be approximately 125 people with a payroll in excess of $3 million annually,? Pelham said. ?Even though Yorozu only hired 90 people initially, the plant gave the city and county an important psychological boost when it demonstrated confidence in this area?s potential as a good location to manufacture quality products.?
In addition to the banquet the company held an open house Friday night and a 20th anniversary picnic at the fairgrounds yesterday for the families of Yorozu employees.