Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty, along with Rutherford County officials, Friday announced that Topre America Corporation will open a manufacturing operation in Nissan North America’s Smyrna facility. The new location represents a multi-million dollar investment and the creation of 25 jobs.

“Topre America Corporation’s decision to locate an operation and create new jobs in Smyrna highlights why the automotive sector is identified as a key cluster in our Jobs4TN plan,” Haslam said. “Focusing on the advantages Tennessee has and leveraging its existing assets will help us on our way to making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

“We recognize that Tennessee has a competitive advantage in the automotive industry, and today’s announcement is a prime example of that,” Hagerty said. “Congratulations to Topre America Corporation, and welcome to our state.”

Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Topre started out as a manufacturer of pressed components for automobile equipment. Since the company was inaugurated, it has been committed to world-class manufacturing and has gradually expanded the range of industries it serves to include refrigerating machinery, air-conditioning systems, electronic products and office automation equipment, in addition to automobile equipment.

In 2004, Topre launched its first overseas production and sales subsidiary, Topre America Corporation, in Cullman, Ala. The Smyrna location will be the company’s second U.S. location.

“Tennessee is rapidly becoming a major hub for the automotive industry, making this state the obvious choice for our expansion,” Brad Pepper, site manager, Topre America Corporation, said. “We look forward to growing in Tennessee and becoming a part of the Smyrna community.”

“We are excited Topre America Corporation has decided to locate operations to Smyrna,” Tony Dover, Smyrna mayor, said. “This will provide our citizens the opportunity to have good quality jobs. Our community continues to appreciate the investment of Nissan North America and all of the suppliers that are located in our community.”

“The announcement of Topre America Corporation is another testimony that Rutherford County, Tenn. is a great place to do business,” Ernest Burgess, Rutherford County mayor, said. “We welcome Topre America Corporation as the newest addition to our community and thank them for their investment.”

Topre America Corporation will fill half of the open positions by the end of January and the remaining positions before August. Interested applicants should contact Metro Industrial at 615-220-2414, located at 557 S. Lowry St. in Smyrna.