Toyoda Gosei Set to Build in Batesville
In March, Toyoda Gosei North American Group announced plans to build a new automotive parts manufacturing plant in Batesville, MS. The facility will develop and produce interior and exterior plastic automotive components for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, Inc.
Toyoda Gosei will invest approximately $19 million into the new 103,300-square-foot plant, located on 14.27 acres of land just off of Interstate 55. The company plans to begin production and employ 120 workers by 2010.
The Mississippi Development Authority’s project team helped Toyoda Gosei narrow down the Batesville site from contenders in at least two other states.
“The Mississippi Development Authority and Panola County Partnership have been a valuable resource for Toyoda Gosei as we begin building a positive relationship with the Batesville community,” says Takashi Matsuura, president of Toyoda Gosei. “Both organizations also played a key role in introducing Toyoda Gosei to various incentive programs that include training for our future workforce.”
Toyoda Gosei currently has manufacturing operations in six states, in addition to headquarters in Japan, Belgium, Thailand, and Troy, MI. The corporation’s worldwide employment numbers total more than 23,000 people throughout 16 countries.
Vuteq and Toyota Forge a Partnership
In 2009, Vuteq USA, Inc. plans to open a new manufacturing facility in New Albany, MS. The $31-million plant is expected to employ 130 people.
Vuteq will provide Toyota with more than 50 injection-molded parts, as well as the assembly of the deckboard and various component parts. Vuteq will begin production next year to coincide with the start-up of Toyota’s new Highlander SUV plant. An additional 500 workers are expected to be employed by Vuteq to work at the Toyota SUV facility.
“Vuteq USA’s decision to locate in New Albany further demonstrates Mississippi’s commitment to partner with automotive suppliers to create a winning situation for the company, the community in which it will locate, and the state,” says Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.
“During the process of selecting sites, the overwhelming attribute of New Albany was its friendly and welcoming nature,” says Vuteq Canada President Chris Spence, who will oversee the new facility.
Oxford Wins Over Winchester
In February, the Winchester Company of Olin, Inc., announced plans to relocate its military packaging operations to an existing facility in Oxford, MS. This $3-million investment is expected to create 100 new jobs.
Formerly based in East Alton, IL, Winchester’s packaging operations will utilize about 85,000 to 90,000 square feet in its existing Oxford facility. Plant equipment will be moved from Illinois to Mississippi, and a new firing range will be built. The company says relocating will involve only minor modifications to its Oxford facility.
Gov. Haley Barbour credits Mississippi’s development efforts for the successful relocation.
ADP Adds to Mississippi’s Tech Cluster
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP), a provider of business outsourcing solutions, recently opened a solutions center in Clinton, MS.
The new facility provides business-to-business support as the company focuses on inbound calls to assist clients using ADP’s payroll and human resources-related applications and automotive dealer-related products and services.
Between January and June 2008, ADP hired 80 employees to work at the solutions center. This number is expected to grow to 1,000 employees over the next five-year period.
“I am pleased that ADP has selected central Mississippi for its new solutions center,” says Gov. Haley Barbour. “ADP joins the long list of other technology-driven companies that have located in our state, a trend which demonstrates the quality of Mississippi’s workforce and the state’s ability to attract industry leaders.”
“We are delighted to be opening a new ADP solutions center in the metro Jackson area,” says Mike Martone, chief operating officer of ADP. “As an industry leader, we’re committed to delivering world-class service that exceeds our clients’ requirements and expectations. Outstanding associates are the key to that commitment. Our service philosophy extends to our associates who enjoy comprehensive benefits, ongoing training and professional development, providing the opportunity for personal and career growth.” ADP joins other technology industries that have found success in the area.
“Central Mississippi continues to be a fertile environment for attracting technology-driven industries,” says Ross Tucker, director of the Greater Jackson Alliance. “Companies like ADP recognize the unlimited workforce population of the area, which includes graduates from both two- and four-year academic institutions.
“Coupled with the exceptional quality of life, ADP will be able to attract professionals across the state and the nation. The Alliance welcomes ADP to one of the fastest-growing regions in Mississippi and looks forward to future endeavors,” Tucker adds.
Insurance Company Expands in Jackson
In May, Mississippi’s largest commercial property casualty insurer, The Travelers Companies, Inc., opened a new claim customer service center in Jackson, bringing 75 new jobs to the metro area and doubling Travelers’ total employment in the state.
The Travelers Claim Customer Service Center is located in the UBS building off Interstate 55, enabling Travelers to increase its accessibility to agents and customers while also ensuring business continuity. Customer service professionals employed at the center will answer toll-free claim reporting numbers, compile information from customers, and assign claims to claim handlers for further investigation and resolution.
“We are pleased to expand our operations in Mississippi,” says Jay Fishman, chairman and CEO of Travelers. “Travelers is continuing to write new business in the state, and this new claim office supports our strategy of locating claim professionals close to the customers and agents we serve.”