DENVER (May 15, 2013) — Schrader International Inc. has received the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce Industry of the Year Award for its business contributions to the local Tennessee economy.
The manufacturer of sensing and valve solutions for the automotive and industrial industries was presented with the award on May 2—a day after a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Schrader's newly expanded manufacturing facility in Springfield. The upgraded plant is the result of a $10 million capacity investment announced earlier this year by the Denver-based company, which also makes tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).
"It is my pleasure to congratulate Schrader for winning the Robertson County Industry of the Year Award. Schrader has continued to foster economic opportunities for the community through the expansion of the Springfield facility, which is creating good jobs right here in Tennessee's 6th District," said Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., at the ceremony.
Hugh Charvat, Schrader's president and CEO, who attended the event along with members of the company's management team, said the award is "a clear indicator of the success and capabilities of our employees in Springfield, our leading technology and business growth, as well as the support we receive from the local Robertson County community.
"We are thrilled to continue to work with local officials within the community to spur and support economic growth through our commitment in the region."
With its latest investment, Schrader created 76 new, high-tech manufacturing jobs this year and said it will add about 100 positions in the coming year with the addition of a second manufacturing line.
The newly installed manufacturing line is a direct result of continued TPMS volume growth among all domestic vehicle manufacturers, Schrader said, as well as an increased service and repair demand for replacement sensors in the automotive aftermarket.
The company claims to be "the only global manufacturer of complete, vertically-integrated TPMS systems for the automotive industry."
Also attending the event in Springfield were staff members of the Tennessee Dept. of Economic and Community Development, the Tennessee General Assembly, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Robertson County Mayor Howard Bradley, and staff members from the offices of U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.).