Arkansas Snags New Denso Manufacturing Plant

Japan's Denso Corp. announced on July 16 that it will build its 23rd manufacturing facility in the United States, naming Osceola, Ark., as the future site of the plant. Construction of the new facility, which will produce car air conditioners and heavy equipment radiators for Denso's North American customers, is expected to start at the end of this month. The 100-acre site will support a 217,000-square-foot production facility, as well as a training center. Denso's investment in the project will total about $35 million, the Kariya-based manufacturer said. At full production in 2008, the new company, called Denso Manufacturing Arkansas Inc., will employ 500 people. Initial production is slated to begin in October 2004. "We are experiencing exceptional business growth in the thermal product division," says Denso Corp. President and CEO Koichi Fukaya. "We are fortunate to have the opportunity to build a southern base to further meet our customer needs in the region."