Tenneco to invest $61.5 million in Kettering plant, add 300-plus jobs

KETTERING — 
Tenneco announced plans to significantly expand its Kettering plant and double its workforce bringing more than 300 new jobs to its operations.The company has about 480 current employees in Kettering now.
The auto parts manufacturer plans to centralize its operations in Ohio, announcing Friday that it will close two plants in in Hartwell, Georgia, and Owen Sound, Ontario. 
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Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. has proposed investing up to $61.5 million in its Kettering Engine Facility in a huge expansion of the capacity there, a move which would more than 300 jobs. The company is looking to buy new equipment to modernize the plant and could be moving additional production here from other sites that are planned on being closed by 2020 according to city officials.
“We are proud of the thriving manufacturing economy in Kettering,” said Kettering Mayor Don Patterson. “We dedicate considerable resources to securing new, well-paying jobs for our community and once again our ideal location, world-class amenities and sought after workforce will result in a significant business expansion at Tenneco.”Tenneco officials confirmed the move saying that the closing of the plants and investment in its Kettering facility is, “part of an initiative to realign its manufacturing footprint to enhance operational efficiency and respond to changing market conditions and capacity requirements.”
(NOTE: This story has been revised with updated new job numbers and total investments by Tenneco.)
“We recognize the impact this action will have on our employees, and are working with the local communities to provide transition assistance for all affected employees, including opportunities to transfer to other Tenneco locations,” said Brian Kesseler, Tenneco co-CEO.
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The plant at 2555 Woodman Drive, makes shock absorbers and struts primarily for General Motors passenger vehicles. The plant also supplies sister Tenneco facilities in North America and, and a foreign automaker’s North American plant. Tenneco has more than 31,000 employees worldwide.

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