DENSO announced it is investing an additional $55 million and adding more than 130 new manufacturing jobs at its DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee (DMAT) facility in Athens, Tenn. This is in addition to the $50 million investment and 130 jobs that was announced last year to localize its gasoline direct injection injectors (GDI), bringing the total investment to approximately $105 million and 260 new jobs.
"These are very exciting times at DENSO," said Hugh Cantrell, general manager, DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee. " We are thankful for the past and current contribution of our associates and the support and commitment of the local community. We look forward to continued partnerships as we launch this expansion and compete to bring future products to Athens!"
Depending on engine size, DENSO's GDI system can help automakers achieve up to 20 percent fuel economy while also helping reduce CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent. For consumers, it means more mileage for the money and an overall savings at the gas pump.
DMAT began tooling, staffing, and training preparations in June 2013, for mass production of gasoline direct injectors in 2014. DENSO first mass produced GDI components in 1996, and started production of its third generation of GDI technology in 2012. DENSO's latest generation technology is geared to deliver more power and lower emissions while being more compact. Its reliability and flexibility allows it to be used in markets around the world.
DMAT currently employs more than 1,000 employees and has been producing fuel injectors since 1998 for the North America region. The facility also produces oxygen sensors, ignition coils, monolithic carriers and spark plugs.
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