SEPTEMBER 22, 2006 - DTR Tennessee, Inc. is expanding its manufacturing facility located in Claiborne County. This expansion is the third since the plant began production in January 2003. This addition will add another 88,000 sq. ft. and will increase the total plant size to 309,250 sq. ft. The $10 million investment in building and equipment will bring the total Claiborne County investment to over $50 million. The new expansion is scheduled to begin in December of this year with completion scheduled for September 2007. DTR Tennessee expects to add an additional 150 associates with this expansion. The current employment level at the Claiborne County plant is 300 and is expected to increase to 400 by the end of 2007. Total employment is expected to reach 550 by the end of 2008 with this latest expansion.

According to Mr. Ryusuke Kito, President, this expansion is due to the continued success of DTR's customers and the hard work and dedication of the DTR Tennessee associates. It is also an indication of the strong support DTR has received from the community and state.

DTR Tennessee, Inc. is a supplier of anti-vibration and hose products for the automotive industry. Major customers include Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Ford. The parent company of DTR is Tokai Rubber Industries, based in Komaki, Japan.

More than 40 exhibitors were on hand at this year’s Governor’s Conference, with Claiborne County taking “Best In Expo” honors for its colonial-style exhibit which effectively highlighted the county’s business climate, cultural offerings and quality of life.

ECD Commissioner Matthew Kisber congratulated Claiborne County for its efforts and recognized the community’s creativity in its design and presentation of information.

"I am pleased to congratulate Claiborne County as the “Best In Expo” for this year’s Governor’s Conference,” said Kisber. “There were a number of excellent exhibits that presented some close competition. Claiborne County should be proud of its achievements and the steps they’re taking to create new opportunities for Tennesseans. The community showed a lot of diligence and energy in pulling together an outstanding exhibit.”

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) hosted its annual Governor’s Conference Sept. 12-13 at the Nashville Convention Center. The conference theme, “Mission Possible: Invent the Future,” examined where job creation opportunities lie in the coming years and offered attendees solid tips on positioning their communities for success.

Click here to view this article in the September 27, 2006, Tennessee ECD Hot Sheet!