KEY POINTS
- Japan-based T.RAD will invest $90.2 million in Clarksville and create 928 jobs in the fast-growing city.
- Tennessee is Japan's largest top partner for foreign direct investment (FDI), with more than 200 Japanese companies located in the state.
- Clarksville’s industrial ecosystem includes major neighbors like LG Chem’s $3.2B EV cathode plant and other global firms, reinforcing the city’s growth momentum.
Clarksville, Tennessee is chalking up another business win. The city, on Middle Tennessee’s border with Kentucky, has seen a handful of international companies set up shop in recent years. One more has entered the mix, with a Japanese manufacturer pledging a $90.2 million investment and 928 new jobs.
What is the new Japanese company investing in Clarksville?
T.RAD is a global maker of heat exchangers; components that allow heat to travel between substances while preventing those substances from mixing. Exchangers are an important part of many heat-generating devices, and T.RAD provides them for internal combustion engines, HVAC units, batteries, and fuel cells, especially for uses in construction and agricultural equipment.
T.RAD North America, the branch that will be building in Clarksville, is headquartered in nearby Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
Where in Clarksville is T.RAD North America building?
Further details about the facility’s size are not yet available, but it will be in the Clarksville-Montgomery County Corporate Business Park South. The park’s footprint includes major neighbors such as a Hankook tire plant, Jostens’ yearbook printing facility, an Amazon warehouse, a Google data center, and LG Electronics.
The park is also close to the Fort Campbell U.S. Army base. Clarksville leaders say that’s another benefit of this announcement.
“The creation of nearly 930 jobs over the next five years will provide new opportunities for transitioning military members and Clarksville residents,” Josh Ward, Executive Director of the Clarksville Industrial Development Board, said in statement from the State of Tennessee.
Is there another LG facility near T.RAD’s future Clarksville location?
Also near the park is the site of LG Chem’s cathode manufacturing complex, a $3.2 billion megaproject that LG says is the largest of its size in the U.S. The plant makes cathodes for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Two other EV battery companies, Microvast and Dongwha, have either set up shop or announced plans to build in the same part of town.
What is the history with Japan and Tennessee?
Believe it or not, Tennessee is Japan’s top partner for foreign direct investment (FDI); a partnership that stretches back to the mid-1980s, when Nissan placed its North American headquarters and car manufacturing in the greater Nashville area.
Just last year, Clarksville welcomed a plant from Kewpie Corporation—the makers of Japan’s most popular mayonnaise. The factory makes condiments for the East and Midwest U.S., with eventual plans to also supply customers in Central and South America.
According to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, more than 200 Japanese companies have locations in the state, accounting for more than 57,000 jobs and $20 billion in capital investments.
What does the future hold for T.RAD North America and Clarksville?
A few years ago, Clarksville was named the Best Place to Live in America by Money.com. The city also says it’s within a one-day drive of 76% of all major U.S. cities. It’s often on lists of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. With a central location, more people moving in, and a growing number of internationally recognized companies coming to town, Clarksville is set to continue expanding.
T.RAD North America is counting on those aspects to help build a mutual partnership.
“Workforce development is central to T.RAD’s continued growth, and Tennessee offers the talent needed to support our long-term vision," human resource general manager Tony Bryant said.
Taroh Miller, T.RAD North America’s President, added, “The Clarksville facility will enhance our manufacturing capabilities, strengthen our supply-chain performance and position us to meet growing customer demand with greater speed and reliability. This milestone reinforces our long-term commitment to operational excellence across the region.”
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