Expansion Management

Nissan Aims to Produce 85% of US Sales in North America

July 3, 2013

The Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant has grown from a domestic manufacturer to a global one

In conjunction with the 30th anniversary of its Smyrna, Tenn. Vehicle Assembly Plant, Nissan Motor Co. ( IW 1000/26) announced last week that it is adding more than 900 manufacturing jobs.

The jobs are being added for the future production of the Nissan Rogue, marking the first time the Rogue has been produced in the United States.

The Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant has grown from a domestic manufacturer to a global one. Last year the plant become home to the country’s largest lithium-ion automotive battery plant supporting production of the 2013 Nissan LEAF.

“I want to congratulate Nissan for their accomplishments over the last 30 years and the tremendous impact their success has had on the state’s economy and the thousands of people they employ,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.

Nissan said that it will launch five core-volume models in 15 months in the United States.

The shift of Rogue production to the United States is part of the company’s broader strategy to localize production.

By 2015, Nissan aims to have 85% of its products that are sold in the United States produced in North America.

Nissan has seen U.S. demand for the Rogue, expected to begin production in the fall of 2013, grow from just under 100,000 units in 2010 to 142,000 units in 2012. In May, Rogue sales reached an all-time high of 17,333 units.

Since the first U.S.-assembled vehicle, a white pickup truck, rolled off the assembly line in June 1983, Nissan’s manufacturing footprint has grown steadily. The combination of vehicle assembly plants in Canton, Miss. and Smyrna, Tenn. and a powertrain plant in Decherd, Tenn. have produced more than 12 million vehicles and created more than 14,000 manufacturing jobs in the United States. Production at Nissan’s Smyrna and Canton assembly plants grew by more than 14% in 2012.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.