The economic climate is certainly not stopping Volkswagen, a sum of around $436 million in contracts and investments being created around its new production facility in Chattanooga, investing $1 billion in the local economy and creating more than 2,000 direct jobs. Operations in Chattanooga are part of the European car and vans giant gaining a foothold on U.S. shores, with plans to increase competition and triple its U.S. customer base in the next decade.
“These contracts, while impressive, are more than just numbers. They are a clear testament to the progress we’ve been able to achieve in one short year with our partners in Chattanooga and Tennessee,” said Frank Fischer, CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC. “Our decision one year ago to invest in a U.S. production facility was a strategic step forward in our commitment to the North American market, and we look forward to continuing the journey.”
Construction of the Chattanooga plant has been under way for months, and we will start to see a 150,000 vehicle annual on schedule, we could be seeing cars and vans for sale as early as 2011. These will be top of the range with eco friendly low emissions in mind.
“Volkswagen’s investment in Tennessee is already making a significant impact on our state,” said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. “Despite a challenging economy, Volkswagen has moved forward at full speed on the project and put hundreds of Tennesseans to work before the first vehicle rolls off the assembly line. I’ve called this project an ‘anchor’ from which additional investment will follow, and I feel as confident about it today as when it was first announced.”"Our project in Chattanooga is made up of four pillars – the plant, the product, our suppliers and our people. We are committed to hiring locally, and we are convinced that we will have a best-in-class workforce,” said Hans-Herbert Jagla, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, for the Chattanooga Operations.
“Volkswagen’s decision to anchor its U.S. auto production in Chattanooga was the culmination of a shared community vision and years of investment to recruit a major manufacturer to Enterprise South. Not only will the Chattanooga region be transformed by the tremendous economic impact and new job creation, but our entire state will reap great benefits from suppliers and other supporting businesses this facility will attract,” said U.S. Senator Bob Corker. “Even in the midst of a challenging economic environment, construction of the plant and development of its supplier network remain on track. All of us are anxious for the day when the first vehicles roll off the assembly line.”
U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander has been calling the Volkswagen and Chattanooga plans an “ideal marriage.” “And it’s clear the relationship has been a tremendous success. Volkswagen’s wise investment one year ago in Tennessee’s low-cost, central location, as well as in its strong auto workforce, van hire, used vans and superior four-lane highway system, has made winners of all involved. I congratulate Volkswagen and Chattanooga on a great first year together,” Alexander said.
“The excitement Tennesseans felt one year ago at the announcement of the creation of thousands of high paying, quality jobs in our region by Volkswagen’s billion dollar investment has not worn off in the least,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. “Local contracts have been awarded, the paint shop is beginning to take shape and next generation manufacturing jobs are being created in the heart of the Tennessee Valley Corridor. Years of planning and hard work continue to pay major dividends for Tennesseans.”
“After years of site preparations and recruitment efforts, it is remarkable to see how much progress Volkswagen has made in just one year,” said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. “In addition to successfully maintaining an ambitious construction schedule, Volkswagen has shown its commitment to our citizens and to becoming engaged in our community.”
“We couldn’t have asked for a better economic development partner than Volkswagen,” said Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield. “As many communities are experiencing difficult economic challenges, Volkswagen has given our whole region cause for hope and the prospect of thousands of new jobs.”
“Volkswagen committed more than a billion dollars in capital for this project, and we’re already seeing the impact that commitment is having on companies in Tennessee and throughout the region,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Our agency is already talking to companies interested in following Volkswagen’s investment, and I’m confident the ripple effect in our state’s economy is just beginning.”
“We set out to recruit a company that would partner with us in creating 21st Century manufacturing jobs for the people of the Chattanooga region,” said Tom Edd Wilson, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. “Volkswagen is helping us realize our jobs-creation goals and so much more. Volkswagen is a world-class company on the rise, and it is also a perfect fit for our community culture and aspirations.”
Many are hopeful that the Chattanooga plant will be a saviour in a dire job climate, it may go on to generate $12 billion in income growth and create an additional 9,500 jobs over the life of the project.
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