Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
OTICS USA, an automotive parts manufacturer, is planning to build a new facility in Sevierville that will bring more than 100 jobs to Sevier County.
Governor Bill Haslam and Bill Hagerty, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, announced Thursday that OTICS USA, Inc. will construct a new manufacturing facility at the Sevier County Interstate 40 Industrial Park in Sevierville.
“OTICS USA recognizes the importance of the U.S. automotive market, and that is why we are very excited about expanding our operations in Sevier County,” OTICS USA Executive Vice President Yuki Odai said. “This region offers us a great location for supplying our customers and for supplying us with quality employees from the surrounding communities. We know that working together with Sevier County will enable us to successfully grow our business in North America.”
OTICS USA produces engine components and suspension parts for the automotive industry. The company opened a facility in Morristown, Tenn. in 2001, which has undergone three expansions since locating to Hamblen County. It currently employs a workforce of more than 250.
Expanding operations to the 29-acre parcel that OTICS USA purchased in the Interstate 40 Industrial Park will allow the company to increase production capacity and meet future demand from their customers. Construction is scheduled to begin at the site in April 2015 with completion in early 2017. The company will invest $69.5 million in the project.
The Interstate 40 Industrial Park is located just .6 miles from I-40 exit 407.
“We want to thank OTICS for continuing to invest in our state and creating more than 100 new jobs in Sevier County,” Haslam said. “Part of our Jobs4TN strategy has focused on expanding businesses already located in Tennessee, and it means a great deal that OTICS has chosen to continue to produce its goods here.”
“Tennessee boasts a number of key advantages that make our state stand at the forefront when business owners are considering expansion including our favorable central location and dedicated workforce,” Hagerty said. “Our specialized automotive sector is a significant competitive strength for Tennessee, and I couldn’t be more pleased to see OTICS leverage this asset for our state. I appreciate the company’s decision to expand in Sevierville and wish them much continued success in the future.”
The Sevierville production facility is expected to create 117 new jobs in the area. The company’s website lists starting pay for employees at just over $12 per hour.
“I would like to thank the Sevier County Economic Development Council, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and TVA for their roles in locating OTICS in Sevier County’s newest industrial park,” Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said. “This is a great project for our county and East Tennessee. OTICS will provide good jobs for our citizens. We look forward to the completion of the project, and we will do everything we can to insure their success.”
