HP Pelzer Automotive Systems plans to invest $28 million in a new 185,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Mt. Verd Industrial Park in Athens, Tennessee. HP Pelzer, a supplier of automotive acoustic and interior trim parts, will create 200 jobs at the McMinn County facility.

The Athens location will supply interior automotive products to numerous auto assembly plants including several in the Southeast. The company is beginning site prep this month with completion targeted for September. Headquartered in Witten, Germany, the HP Pelzer Group operates 37 manufacturing sites and five technical centers in 18 countries. In the U.S., the McMinn County site will join other HP Pelzer facilities in Michigan, Georgia and Kansas.

“Athens, Tenn. is the perfect location for us to manufacture and supply parts to our automotive partners. We are quite pleased to make it our new home,” HP Pelzer Chief Operating Officer Steve Paladino said. “I would like to thank all the professionals at the state of Tennessee, McMinn County, city of Athens, Tennessee Valley Authority and the Southeast Industrial Development Association that worked so diligently to make this project a reality.”

“I want to thank HP Pelzer for its investment in Tennessee and the new jobs created in McMinn County,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. “Our Jobs4TN strategy recognizes the auto sector as a key industry cluster where Tennessee has a distinct advantage with more than 900 auto suppliers and manufacturers, and today’s announcement helps us toward our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

“Tennessee offers the automotive industry unparalleled logistical advantages and a strong manufacturing base with a quality workforce,” Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. “I appreciate HP Pelzer recognizing our state’s inherent strengths in the auto sector and the competitive edge that Tennessee’s business friendly environment provides.”

“TVA congratulates HP Pelzer on their decision to locate a facility in Athens, Tennessee,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “TVA and Athens Utilities Board are privileged to partner with the state of Tennessee, the McMinn County Economic Development Authority, the Southeast Industrial Development Association and other community leaders to facilitate HP Pelzer’s location and growth in McMinn County.”