State Representative Mike Sparks Announces Key Manufacturing Award For Tennessee

Jul 30, 2013 at 06:24 am by bryan


State Representative Mike Sparks (R–Smyrna) announced this week that Tennessee has been named the number one state in the nation for automotive manufacturing strength by Business Facilities magazine. The award marks the fourth year in a row that the state has claimed the coveted title. WGNS' Rafferty Cleary has more on the story...



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Currently, Tennessee is home to the production hubs for Nissan, Volkswagen, and General Motors. With more than 900 automotive manufacturers and suppliers statewide, the state has reaped the benefits of a strategic focus on the automotive sector over the last several years. In fiscal year 2012-2013, 44 automotive projects created 6,662 new jobs in Tennessee and investments totaled close to $1.1 billion.

“This award further reinforces Tennessee’s strong economic and manufacturing strength,” said Representative Mike Sparks. “Coupled with Nissan’s recent commitment to scale up production in Smyrna, this recognition is a shot in the arm to the economic growth of Rutherford County and surrounding areas.”

In June, Nissan celebrated 30 years of manufacturing at its Smyrna plant by adding more than 900 jobs to support future production of the Nissan Rogue. Nissan’s announcement marks the first time the Rogue will be produced in the U.S.

“I am proud of our state for receiving this important award and look forward to even more great economic news over the coming months,” Sparks concluded.

Mike Sparks is Vice-Chairman of the House Transportation Committee. He is serving his second term in the Tennessee House of Representatives and represents District 49, which includes a portion of Rutherford County.

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