A parts supplier to Nissan in North America, Calsonic Kansei North America, will invest $109 million and add 1,200 new manufacturing jobs at its three manufacturing plants located in Lewisburg, Shelbyville and Smyrna, Tennessee.

Calsonic Kansei is a global company that manufactures exhaust systems, thermal components, cockpit modules, consoles, front end modules and dash modules for the automotive industry as a tier 1 supplier. “CKNA is pleased to announce its largest expansion in our history in Middle Tennessee,” Calsonic Kansei North America Vice President Human Resources and Legal Bob Masteller said. “We’ll be adding 1,200 jobs across three of our locations in Middle Tennessee, and we are also grateful for the teamwork and cooperation with Gov. Haslam and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, who are partnering with us in this expansion. We believe the citizens of Tennessee are one of the best workforces in the world, and we are pleased to be a part of the community in Middle Tennessee.”

The company plans to invest $49.8 million at its Lewisburg facility, which manufactures electronic components for meters, inverters and dash electronics, and plastics components for interiors. Approximately 526 new jobs will be created over the next three years, in addition to the current 1,117 people already employed at this location. CKNA’s investment in Lewisburg will also include the construction of a new 300,000 square foot warehouse facility.

CKNA will also invest $57.6 million at its Shelbyville facility, which manufactures exhaust units, catalytic converters and manifolds. Approximately 489 new jobs will be created over the next three years, in addition to the 1,010 people who currently work at this location.

In addition, CKNA will invest $2.1 million at its Smyrna facility, which is located within the Nissan plant and places Calsonic products into the Nissan vehicles. Approximately 183 new jobs will be created over the next three years, in addition to the 469 people who are currently employed at this location.

"We are grateful to Calsonic Kansei for this significant investment that is creating more than 1,000 Tennessee jobs,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. “Along with supporting existing businesses, a big part of our economic development strategy is to focus on the things we do well, and this expansion further solidifies our state’s leadership in auto manufacturing.”

“For an unprecedented fourth year in a row, Tennessee ranks as the No. 1 state in the nation for automotive manufacturing strength and CKNA’s major investment in our state reaffirms why we continue to earn this distinction,” Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. “With a low tax rate, unbeatable logistical advantages and high quality workforce, Tennessee offers companies a unique opportunity to thrive.”

“TVA congratulates Calsonic Kansei Corporation on the announcement to expand its automotive parts manufacturing operations in three middle Tennessee locations,” TVA senior vice president of Economic Development John Bradley said. “TVA and the local power service providers in these communities are pleased to partner with the State of Tennessee and local leaders as they help existing companies prosper and add quality jobs in our region.”