Bodine to expand new Tennessee casting plant.

As part of the increased presence of Toyota vehicles in North America, Bodine Aluminum, Troy, Mo., is expanding its automotive high-pressure diecasting facility in Jackson, Tenn., before it has even opened.

Following the decision by Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America (TMMNA), Erlanger, Ky., to expand its engine transmission plant in Buffalo, W. Va., TMMNA announced it will increase the capacity of the new Bodine facility, which expected to open by the end of the year. The plans include increasing employment from the initial designated number of 200 to 220 workers and raising the original investment in the plant from $124 million to $164 million. Further, 75,000 sq. ft. will be added to the initial plan of 99,000 sq. ft. The expansion will allow Bodine to cast aluminum cases and housings for the additional transmissions.

Atsushi Niimi, president and CEO of TMMNA, said Bodine's expansion reflects Toyota's increased North American manufacturing presence.

"With the growing demand for Toyota vehicles comes a responsibility to build those vehicles where we sell them. The same is true for parts, such as engine blocks and transmission cases and housings," he said. "The effect includes good employment opportunities for the people of west Tennessee."

In 2003, Toyota announced that the new facility would cast 1 million engine blocks annually, beginning at the end of 2005, and Bodine will begin casting aluminum transmission cases and housings in 2007 with an annual capacity of 270,000.

"This expansion is a testament to the great team members we've hired. We haven't even started production, but our business is growing," said Bodine president Bob Lloyd. "We're grateful for the support provided by state and local officials and the entire community. We have been warmly welcomed."

"We value the investment and commitment that Bodine Aluminum has made to Tennessee," said Gov. Phil Bredesen. "It is certainly a great development that seven months prior to the company beginning production here, they have already decided to expand the operations. This represents yet another example of the advantages in Tennessee--a positive business climate, a quality workforce and strong partnerships at the state and local level--that all work hand-in-hand to make job creation opportunities like this one a reality."

U.S. Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.) also commented, "This new growth is certainly good news for our economy."