Expansion Brings High Tech Jobs To BorgWarner
Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Gray Swoope (right) tours the Water Valley plant with BorgWarner Comptroller Dale Burwell (left) and Plant Manager Kent Tobin (center). – Photos by Jack Gurner
BorgWarner Plant Manager Kent Tobin displays a part produced at BorgWarner with Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Gray Swoope.
BorgWarner Comptroller Dale Burwell (right) explains the additions to the plant.
Water Valley Mayor Larry Hart and Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Gray Swoope listen as Plant Manager Kent Tobin announces the new jobs for Water Valley’s BorgWarner facility.
By David Howell
Editor
WATER VALLEY – Water Valley’s largest employer announced Tuesday that the plant will add approximately 120 new jobs at the facility by the end of 2012.
City, county and state officials attended the 10 a.m. press conference Tuesday morning as BorgWarner broke the news that it plans to introduce a new generation of transmission controls, known as mini direct-acting solenoids to the production line-up at the Water Valley facility. The addition also marks an $18 million investment by BorgWarner.
Some of the positions are expected to be filled by current employees as the company phases out production of some older product lines. Currently, the facility employs 300 workers, according to a press release from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA).
“This part is our latest and greatest technology for BorgWarner,” reported Plant Manager Kent Tobin at Tuesday’s conference. Tobin added the solenoids would be produced at the Water Valley plant and shipped to China.
“It allows customers to achieve significant fuel mileage.” Tobin explained. “It is quite an honor to have this business inside these four walls. “This could be a big win for the plant if we achieve and perform,” Tobin added.
Tobin also praised the cooperative efforts from the MDA, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and city and county officials that helped BorgWarner put together a successful bid package to obtain the new business.
“This is one opportunity. We are quoting on several programs to follow this up, this could be a very big win for this plant if we execute and perform,” Tobin continued.
MDA Director Gray Swoope, who spoke at the conference, praised BorgWarner for allowing the opportunity to compete.
“We all know today that jobs are a competition, not only in this country but outside this country where jobs are being created,” Swoope said.
“What we look for at MDA is a partner, a company, to put together a product that competes anywhere in the world,” Swoope explained.
Swoope also praised the teamwork that led to the expansion, explaining that MDA worked with company and local officials to help facilitate the expansion through the Job Protection Grant Program. The agency, as well as the local workforce investment district, also provided assistance for workforce training.
Following Swoope, Water Valley Mayor Larry Hart was next on the agenda.
“Kent Tobin, we appreciate y’all. On behalf of the City of Water Valley this is a blessing from God for a small community like this,” Hart said.
“We are looking forward to the future with you, we are looking forward to more growth,” Hart added.
Yalobusha County Board President Amos Sims reiterated earlier comments that the project will have tremendous impact on the community.
“This will bring us hope, energy to our community,” Sims said as he noted the longtime impact of Holley Carburetor and BorgWarner in Water Valley.
About The Line
The new technology will warrant significant changes at the Water Valley plant.
The work will be performed in an ISO Class 8 Clean Room environment.
“This is going to require special procedures and clothing to be worn during the assembly operation,” Tobin said about the new lines. “It is going to be a very controlled environment.”
Tobin said the company has already spent almost $185,000 with local contractors since April, relocating equipment, tearing down walls and making improvements preparing for the clean room.
Starting production for this program will be the first quarter of 2011, Tobin continued. “It is going to be a pretty aggressive timeline.”
Tobin likened the start-up to a light switch step.
“The program turns on and we have got to be up to full capacity very quickly,” he noted.
About The Company
BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems produces highly engineered drivetrain technologies for the global vehicle industry. Key product segments include dual clutch modules; wet friction clutch components and systems; mechatronic transmission control modules; electro-hydraulic solenoid valves; mechanical clutch assemblies; all-wheel drive couplings, transfer cases and software/controls and electric vehicle transmissions.
These systems improve fuel economy and performance while enhancing vehicle stability. BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems is a trusted supplier to virtually every major light vehicle and automatic transmission producer in the world today.
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The Mississippi Development Authority Press Release:
Water Valley, Miss. (August 24, 2010) –BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems, a global powertrain supplier, has announced the expansion of its operations in Water Valley, Miss. The expansion will create approximately 120 new jobs at the facility by the end of 2012. Some of these positions are expected to be filled by current employees as the company phases out production of some older product lines. Currently, the facility employs 300 workers.
“This is welcome news. I am grateful to BorgWarner officials for creating these new jobs in Water Valley and for their continued investment in Mississippi ,” said Gray Swoope, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA). “I am pleased MDA has the tools necessary to help companies expand during these challenging economic times.”
BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems plans to introduce a new generation of transmission controls, known as mini direct-acting solenoids, to the production line-up at the Water Valley facility. The new product is expected to add two new production lines to the facility over the next three years. In addition, BorgWarner plans to continue supplying Chrysler LLC and General Motors with transmission solenoids and control modules already produced at the facility.
“Car makers around the world rely on BorgWarner for the technologies that help drivers feel good about driving. Our century-long track record of innovation is built by the employees who invent, produce and deliver these advanced technologies,” said John Sanderson, president and general manager of BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems. “We are pleased that our latest control technology enables us to expand our operations in Water Valley and appreciate the support we’ve received on this important project.”
MDA worked with company and local officials to help facilitate the expansion through the Job Protection Grant Program. The agency, as well as the local workforce investment district, also provided assistance for workforce training. In addition, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) provided support for the plant’s expansion.
BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems produces highly engineered drivetrain technologies for the global vehicle industry. Key product segments include dual clutch modules; wet friction clutch components and systems; mechatronic transmission control modules; electro-hydraulic solenoid valves; mechanical clutch assemblies; all-wheel drive couplings, transfer cases and software/controls and electric vehicle transmissions. These systems improve fuel economy and performance while enhancing vehicle stability. BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems is a trusted supplier to virtually every major light vehicle and automatic transmission producer in the world today.
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 60 locations in 18 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota , Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA and MAN. The Water Valley manufacturing facility is owned by BorgWarner Emissions Systems Inc.
For more information about BorgWarner, please visit www.borgwarner.com.
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About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the State of Mississippi ’s lead economic and community development agency. Nearly 300 employees are engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers in the state. While the agency is best known for its efforts to recruit new businesses to Mississippi, the Authority provides services to promote tourism, help communities improve their quality of place, help existing employers identify and meet opportunities and challenges and help workers improve their skills – all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of Mississippians. For more information, visit MDA’s website at www.mississippi.org.
