Gov. Phil Bryant and officials from global automotive supplier Calsonic Kansei announced the company’s expansion in Madison. The $16.33 million corporate investment creates 98 new jobs.
“Mississippi’s outstanding reputation in the automotive industry is known worldwide,” Gov. Bryant said. “Calsonic Kansei’s addition of so many new jobs in Madison once again puts our state on the global stage. The expansion proves we have the workforce and business climate to ensure industry leaders like Calsonic enjoy years of success in Mississippi.”
Calsonic Kansei is a supplier to Nissan’s Canton automotive assembly plant. The company employs more than 500 at the Nissan location, with 42 employees relocating from the Nissan Supplier Park to the new facility. With limited space on the Canton campus, Calsonic is leasing and upfitting a former warehouse in the Madison County Economic Development Authority’s Central Mississippi Industrial Center in Gluckstadt to accommodate the company’s growth.
“We are very excited about the new Calsonic Kansei North America Canton facility,” said Calsonic Kansei North America Vice President Nancy Rice. “Manufacturing began in May and we have plans to increase the volume shipping from this site over the next year. This location becomes the 79th manufacturing plant in all of CK. The America’s Region is the single largest contributor to Global CK and we are excited to be able to enlarge our manufacturing footprint in the U.S. This new plant is key to achieving our Mid Term Business plan. Investing in this facility allows us to increase capacity and utilization. We extend our utmost gratitude to the state of Mississippi and the entire team who worked so diligently to complete this project. We are proud our company is able to offer new employment opportunities to the people in Madison County. Calsonic Kansei greatly values our team members and we will continue to strive for excellence in maintaining a strong workforce in the Magnolia State.”
The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance for building and infrastructure improvements. Madison County Economic Development Authority and Entergy provided assistance for building, infrastructure and public improvements with the project.
“Calsonic’s $16 million investment and creation of 98 new careers for the people of Madison County demonstrates the company’s commitment to achieving its goals in our state, proving growth in Mississippi’s automotive industry shows no signs of slowing down,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “We salute the teamwork of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, the Madison County Economic Development Authority, Entergy and the Greater Jackson Alliance, which played an important role in Calsonic’s expansion.”
The new facility is already operating, with Phase 2 expected to be completed in 2018.
About Calsonic Kansei
Calsonic Kansei is a global automotive supply company, manufacturing a broad range of product groups that includes cockpit modules, interior products, electronic products, heat exchange products, climate control systems and compressors. Calsonic operates in 15 countries and supplies 18 automotive manufacturers, including Nissan, Honda, General Motors and Volkswagen. Operating since 1938, the company has a global workforce of nearly 22,000.
About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the state’s lead economic and community development agency. MDA focuses on new business recruitment, existing business expansion, workforce training, and tourism promotion. For more information, visit MDA’s website at www.mississippi.org.