Automotive supplier Van-Rob Manchester will invest $16.8 million to expand its manufacturing facility on Volunteer Parkway in Manchester, Tennessee. The Tier 1 supplier to auto industry will create 104 new jobs and invest $16.8 million in Coffee County. The expansion will take place in two separate phases. The first phase will allow Van-Rob to consolidate two plants, both located on Volunteer Parkway, under one roof. The 42,500 square foot addition will bring Van-Rob’s manufacturing space to 112,000 square feet at its Coffee County facility. This expansion is scheduled for completion in December. The second phase will add 36,000 square foot to the facility’s press shop. This addition, which will take place in the next two years, will allow for larger transfer presses for future growth.

”As a rapidly expanding Tier One auto supplier, location is a critical component to our success. Tennessee's dedicated workforce, great infrastructure, and pro-business climate make the state the perfect place to expand our operations of Engineered Lightweight Automotive Solutions,” Van-Rob CEO Dennis Berry said. “Cooperation from local and state leadership with our firm and our real estate advisor, Plante Moran Cresa, demonstrated their commitment to economic development. This is a great place to call home.”

“We would like to thank our ownership, Van-Rob Inc. and KIRCHHOFF Automotive, for the confidence they have placed in us by investing in this expansion. Our associates have demonstrated a commitment to deliver a high quality product and also to the success of Van-Rob,” Van-Rob Manchester General Manager Rick Burchett said. “We would also like to thank the local representatives of Coffee County and Manchester for their support through the years and also to the state of Tennessee and the Department of Economic and Community Development for all their support.”

“I want to thank Van-Rob for its continued investment in Tennessee and the new jobs created in Coffee County,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. “Our Jobs4TN strategy identifies Tennessee’s unique competitive advantage in the automotive industry, and with more than 105,000 Tennesseans employed in auto manufacturing, these expansions help us toward our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

“Tennessee is in prime position to capitalize as the global automotive industry shifts its focus to the Southeast,” Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty. “I’m pleased Van-Rob recognizes the potential to grow their business in Tennessee and all over the country by taking advantage of our central location, high quality workforce and favorable business climate.”

“Van-Rob has been a member of our local industry for several years and we are happy to see that, with these expansions, they are continuing their involvement in our community.” Coffee County Mayor David Pennington said. “We appreciate everything they have done, and continue to do, for our community.”