OTICS USA Inc., a Tier 1 Automotive supplier, on Wednesday announced plans to expand its Morristown operation and facility.
The $106 million expansion is due to the awarding of a new engine product from its current customer, Toyota.
The new project will necessitate the addition of 96,000 square feet of manufacturing space and will create approximately 100 jobs over the next three years.
R. Jack Fishman, chairman of the Morristown Industrial Development Board, approved the plans for expansion this morning during the industrial board meeting. Fishman thanked OTICS for continuing to expand in Morristown and Hamblen County.
“OTICS’ expansion in the East Tennessee Progress Center is certainly a boost for Morristown and the Lakeway Area,” Fishman said. “The decision to make this major expansion here is a credit to their employees, management and customers.”
“We are delighted to hear about OTICS USA’s announcement to expand their facilities and create new jobs in our city. We appreciate their confidence in our community and workforce as they continue to grow. OTICS USA is an excellent corporate citizen and their strong support of our city is greatly appreciated and we look forward to their continued success,” Morristown Mayor Danny Thomas said.
OTICS USA Inc. has been in operation in the East Tennessee Progress Center since 2001, with the Morristown facility being the first plant located in the United States. The facility currently operates in approximately 259,000 square feet, with more than 200 employes. The addition will be the third expansion for the company.
“The opportunity to expand and grow in the Morristown area is a positive impact for both our company, our customers and for the community,” Charlotte L. Jennelle, General Manager and Division Head, General Adminstration, said. “We appreciate the support of our employees and their families and recognize the Morristown and surrounding commuting area for their support as well.”
OTICS USA Inc. has been recognized by Toyota for the superior quality and on time delivery of its various product lines. In addition, the facility has been recognized for several successful product launches in the past.
“Our company’s reputation has been built on several key values, which include high product quality, as well as strong customer support. Our team members work hard to ensure our continuing support of these core values,” Vice President of Operations Steve Parks said.
Scott Coffey, OTICS assistant general manger, manufacturing division believes the expansion to be a challenging and positive step for the company’s growth.
“OTICS USA is very happy to be receiving the new business from our customer,” he said. “This new business is confirmation of our high quality, on time delivery and competitive pricing. We look forward to earning future business for OTICS USA and the Lakeway Area.”
“Business is booming in Morristown and Hamblen County,” Hamblen County Mayor Bill Brittain said. “The OTICS announcement continues the momentum we have witnessed during the past couple of years, and it affirms our message that Morristown is a great place to do business. I congratulate OTICS for its successful operation and look forward to many more years of making quality automotive parts in East Tennessee.”
