DENSO Manufacturing will expand production of its gasoline direct injection capability by building a new 224,000 square foot facility at its existing location in Athens, Tennessee. DENSO, a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components, will invest more than $85 million and create 400 new jobs over the next three years in McMinn County.

“This project is critical to support the growing need of gasoline direct injection in North America as automakers are turning to this technology to help meet fuel-efficiency and emissions regulations,” Brian Nolen, General Manager of DMAT’s Gasoline Products Manufacturing Division, said. “The localization of gasoline direct injection technology is resulting in new jobs, new production lines, new approaches to training and new growth among our supply partners in North America.”

The announcement marks DMAT’s third major investment in an 18-month period. The overall expansion effort will represent a total investment of approximately $190 million and more than 700 new jobs. Production at the new facility will begin in July 2016.

“We want to thank DENSO for its third big investment in the last year and a half, creating 400 new jobs in McMinn County,” Governor Bill Haslam said. “In Tennessee, we’re focused on a business environment that not only makes companies confident to locate here but also gives them the support to grow and expand. Today’s announcement is great news for Athens and brings us another step closer toward our goal to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

“I’m pleased to see the progress DENSO has made in Athens and the jobs that have been created from the company’s third major announcement in less than two years,” Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “Tennessee’s automotive strength is reinforced by companies, like DENSO, that make quality products for suppliers throughout the United States. I appreciate DENSO for the new jobs that will be offered to McMinn County’s skilled workforce and look forward to seeing the company’s continued growth and success.”