KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Global automotive parts manufacturers SL Tennessee and Denso Manufacturing have invested heavily in East Tennessee, employing thousands of workers to make components for a range of vehicle brands.
As production manager, Nathan Luster walks the floor in SL Tennessee’s electrical building, dozens of men and women are busy at their work stations. Just over a thousand employees keep the plant in business around the clock. Their equipment is highly automated. Parts are not put together with nuts, bolts, or screwdrivers.
The operators work in three different buildings where vehicle parts are manufactured and assembled. 65 percent of employees are women.
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“The nature of the parts, they’re light, they’re easier. It is air-conditioned. It’s a friendly and good atmosphere,” said Luster.
At SL Tennessee, parts are made for Ford and Chevrolet as well as Cadillac, Kia, Hyundai, Ram and Jeep vehicles. Made here are front light assemblies, as well as rear light assemblies. Mirrors are also manufactured at the facility…