BorgWarner Expansion Will Add 75 Jobs

JACKSON – BorgWarner, a global leader in clean and efficient technology solutions for combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles, announced an expansion Tuesday at the Water Valley location that is expected to create approximately 75 jobs over the next two years with a corporate investment of $20 million.  

“BorgWarner’s Water Valley location has expanded and added jobs five times in less than a decade – a tribute to the talented workforce found in Yalobusha County and the state’s supportive business climate,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. 

The anticipated news also brought strong praise for the company from local officials.

“On behalf of the Yalobusha County Board of Supervisors, I would like to thank BorgWarner Trans-mission Systems for the decision to invest in our county,” reported supervisor Cayce Washington. “We understand that in a global market, they can choose to place assets anywhere in the world.”

Washington added that the county values the commitment the company has made to the local community by providing jobs for local residents.

“We look forward to cooperating with them on this project and future projects as they may arise. I would also like to thank all of the other partners that make this possible from the governor’s office, Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), local legislators, the City of Water Valley, and our own Yalobusha County Economic Development  group headed by Bob Tyler,” Washington told the Herald.

Mayor Larry Hart also commented about the expansion.

“We are very excited about the BorgWarner plant expansion,” Hart told the Herald. 

“The State of Mississippi and the City of Water Valley has demonstrated that we truly care about BorgWarner and its dedicated employees and its contribution to our community,” Hart added.

“This expansion will be a win-win for the plant and the state, county and city. We look forward to being part of BorgWarner’s future growth and success in Water Valley,” the mayor continued. 

According to the press release from the governor, BorgWarner’s expansion will help meet growing demand for advanced transmission technologies, including the award-winning Eco-Launch™ stop /start accumulator and the mini direct-acting variable force solenoid.

BorgWarner’s mini direct-acting variable force solenoid features an optimized hydraulic design to improve shift feel, fuel economy and emissions. The Eco-Launch technology helps stop/start systems improve fuel economy with smoother launches during restarts.

“We are delivering products for the new generation of efficient transmissions compatible with hybrid stop/start functionality required on new vehicle models,” said Plant Manager Ray Robertson. “We are pleased to expand our operations in Water Valley and appreciate the support we’ve received from the state and the Mississippi Development Authority.”

MDA provided assistance for building improvements as part of the expansion, according to the press release.

 

“Recent studies show the automotive sector is a major driver of Mississippi’s economy, providing well-paying careers for thousands of Mississippians,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “Borg Warner’s repeated expansions strengthen the state’s status as a global leader in the Southern Automotive Corridor.”

“This project will be another boost to our local economy by BorgWarner,” reported Bob Tyler, director of the Yalobusha County Economic Development and Tourism District. 

“We can thank our county supervisors for the way they have consistently assisted our local BorgWarner operation and for the part they played in bringing about this new project,” Tyler continued. 

Tyler also cited the Governor’s leadership and MDA officials for coordinating the details of the project.

“MDA will be bringing money to the project to assist the sizable investment by Corporate BorgWarner,” Tyler explained. “We should remember that an important reason for the series of work force increases is the outstanding performance record that our local employees have established. This performance record garners the level of trust from Corporate BorgWarner upper management that helps to bring an expansion,” Tyler added.

BorgWarner currently employs nearly 500 people in Water Valley.