RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that TDS US, a logistics services provider for the automotive industry, has chosen the City of Chesapeake for its newest facility. The company will create 210 new jobs through a $2.4 million investment. Virginia successfully competed with Michigan and North Carolina for the project.
“TDS US has made an excellent decision by investing in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Warner. “This announcement is great news for the people of Chesapeake and the region’s highly respected automotive sector.”
TDS US, the minority-owned venture with TDS automotive, is headquartered in Brownstown, Michigan. The company’s 450,000-square-foot facility will be its first facility outside of Michigan. Currently, TDS US operates four other facilities and employs 450 people. Hiring for the facility will begin in the spring of 2003. This new facility will offer employment opportunities for material handling and sequencing operators, as well as support personnel.
TDS US, the most recent automotive supplier to locate in Chesapeake, will support the expansion of the nearby Ford assembly plant and joins other suppliers such as Visteon, Johnson Controls and Nistem already in the city. The Chesapeake facility will provide metering and sequencing of parts for Ford with just-in-time delivery to the manufacturing line.
“We are excited about our new partnership with Virginia,” said Mark Wright, President and CEO of TDS US. “This area offers us the opportunity to continue to build a qualified and motivated workforce while working cooperatively with state and local agencies. This combination is a real win for all of us.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the Chesapeake Economic Development Department assisted TDS US with its decision. The company qualifies for rail access funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and will take advantage of Enterprise Zone tax credits administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
“The City of Chesapeake is greatly pleased by the decision of TDS US to locate their newest automotive support center here” said Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward. “TDS US is consistently recognized for its commitment to the customer, the employees and the community. The company is a significant addition to Chesapeake’s economic base and helps meet the city’s goals of attracting more minority-owned and automotive related businesses.”