CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — South Korean automotive battery manufacturer AtlasBX Co. Ltd. will build a factory in Clarksville, the same city where its parent company, Hankook Tire Co. Ltd., operates a tire plant.
AtlasBX said the plant, located adjacent to the Hankook Tire plant along Interstate 24 northeast of Clarksville, will create 200 jobs after it opens, tentatively set for 2020. Clarksville was selected, the company said, after a nationwide search that included locations in every U.S. state.
The company did not release a cost estimate of the factory, nor did address its size.
The company plans to produce approximately 2.4 million batteries per year at the plant, its in North America, with a dedicated absorbent glass mat (AGM) line, a high-performance battery for start-stop vehicles. AtlasBX manufactures batteries for passenger cars, light trucks, electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, boats and recreational vehicles.
AtlasBX produces more than 15 million batteries per year and services more than 300 customers globally under its brands, which include ACDelco. It also supplies several auto makers, including General Motors Co. and Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Tennessee Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Bob Rolfe and other state and local officials joined company officials to announce the location of the plant.
Ho Youl Pae, CEO of AtlasBX, said the state "is known for its intelligent, hard-working population. Clarksville's thriving economy and skilled workforce appealed to our company and led to this decision, which we believe will allow our company to experience significant growth."
Mr. Haslam said the state's central location and business-friendly environment "continue to make Tennessee the perfect place for manufacturing companies to locate operations." calling the investment "one more example of how Tennessee will lead in the creation of high-quality jobs."
With a 74-year history in the business, AtlasBX said it wants to leverage the plant to cement itself as a top-tier battery manufacturer. It operates two plants in South Korea, the location of its global headquarters office.
The company will consider building a second phase of the plant following completion of the first phase. That decision will hinge upon the initial phase's success.
Hankook Tire opened its tire plant in Clarksville last October.