Manufacturing Clusters

Compiled by the Economic Development Board, the following information pertains to manufacturing clusters in the Knoxville MSA, including:

• Automotive Manufacturing Cluster
• Medical Devices Manufacturing Cluster
• Marine Manufacturing Cluster
• Aluminum Manufacturing
• Home Appliance Components

Automotive Manufacturing Cluster

DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc.
DENSO, a leading supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components for all the world's major automakers, operates in 32 countries and regions with more than 106,000 associates. Global consolidated sales totaled US $27.3 billion for fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.

National Transportation Research Center
The National Transportation Research Center is a window to transportation research programs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee. It offers one of the most diverse concentrations of transportation researchers in the United States.

The NTRC held its official "Open House" on May 6-7, 2002, in collaboration with a transportation manufacturers workshop hosted by the High Temperature Materials Laboratory.

Koide Tennessee, Inc.

Toyota Tsusho America, Inc.
Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. (TAI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, which was founded as a trading and supply-chain specialist of the Toyota Group. TAI has been operating in North America since 1960. Over the past four decades, it has evolved from a trader in a limited number of commodities and finished goods to a multi-business enterprise. As a multi-business enterprise, TAI combines international trading with an expansive range of domestically targeted functions (eg. supply-chain services, intermediate goods processing, etc.). Our operating divisions pursue a broad mix of business opportunities related to both industrial and consumer products and services.

Polymore Circuit Technologies, L.P.
Through Polymore's strategic alliance with Carven Circuits Ltd. (Hong Kong) and Carven Technology Ltd. (Wuxi), the highest quality printed circuit boards are now available through exclusive North American distribution at Polymore Circuit Technologies, L.P. Since the inception of the Hong Kong facility in 1984, Carven has focused on being the best at what they do and providing their customers with not only the highest in quality circuit boards but absolute dedication to their "5 star hotel" customer service philosophy.

Aisin Automotive Casting
AACT building was completed in December 2004 and manufacturing began in July 2005. The Grand Opening Ceremony is September 28, 2005 at the new plant in Clinton, Tennessee. AACT is projected to be at 400 employees by year end. Manufacture of automotive parts (Engine Front Module, Water Pump, Oil Pump, Piston, VVT etc.)

University of Tennessee, College of Engineering
The mission of the College of Engineering is: To provide high quality education in the major engineering disciplines from the undergraduate through doctoral levels through a creative balance of academic, professional and extracurricular programs; To foster and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with our alumni, friends, industry, and local, state and federal governments through public services assistance and collaborative research; To be a major contributor to our nation's technology base through scholarship and research.

Medical Device Manufacturing Cluster

DeRoyal Industries
Deroyal manufacturers quality healthcare products worldwide, including: Patient Care Orthopedic Products, Surgical & Acute Care Products, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing Division, Sports Medicine, Online Protocol Tools, CPT Optimizer, Surgical Try Solutions, Wound Care Products.

Siemens
Siemens Medical Solutions brings together innovative imaging equipment, information technology, management consulting and services to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable clinical and financial outcomes. From imaging systems for diagnosis, to therapy equipment for treatment, to patient monitors to hearing instruments and beyond, Siemens innovations contribute to the health and well being of people across the globe, while improving operational efficiencies and optimizing workflow in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and doctors' offices. Siemens is proud to produce these products within the Knoxville, TN MSA.

Marine Manufacturing Cluster

Allison Boats
Allison's designs and builds some of the best high performance bass boats, sport boats, ski boats and high performance racing boats. Allison's also builds a sport utility boats (SUB's).

G&T Industries
Located in Blount County, Tennessee, G&T Industries is a collection of four successful manufacturing and distribution businesses: G&T Foam, World Resource Partners, Decorative Surfaces, and Marine Specialties Group.

MasterCraft
Located in Vonore, Tennessee, MasterCraft has been shaping the boating industry since 1968. More than three decades after the original MasterCraft made its debut, their goal remains the same - to continue building the world's best ski, wakeboard and luxury performance powerboats, year after year.

Sea Ray
Every Sea Ray boat is a reflection of their commitment to precision, innovation and craftsmanship. Spacious cockpits flow into thoughtfully designed cabins. The design, details and materials are tested and approved by the most dedicated group of professionals in the marine industry. The result is a line of boats, from 18 to 68 feet, that continues to set higher standards when it comes to aesthetics, engineering and technology. The result is a line of boats, from 18 to 68 feet, that continues to set higher standards when it comes to aesthetics, engineering and technology.

Skier's Choice, Inc.
Skier's Choice, Inc. is the proud manufacturer of Supra and Moomba performance inboard wakeboard and waterski towboats. Supra has been a leader in the inboard industry since 1980. The Supra brand is synonymous with innovative styling, luxurious interiors, highest construction quality, and unsurpassed wake performance. Moomba is a value-oriented brand that delivers quality and performance comparable to other inboard brands but at a price significantly less. Moomba delivers the “best bang for the buck.” The company is privately held and is located in Maryville, Tennessee.

Christensen Yachts
After much speculation that it would expand near its current facilities in Vancouver, Washington, Christensen Yachts instead will build ultra high-end yachts costing up to $50 million at a new $20 million, 400,000 square foot facility on the shores of Tellico Lake southwest of Knoxville. Construction is scheduled to start this year and be completed in two years. Christensen President Joe Foggia said the plant initially will have 500 employees, but he added that plans call for doubling that number in six years. The new facility will be built on Tellico Reservoir Development Agency property. Tellico Lake was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the late 1970s.

Cobalt Boats
Located in Loudon County, Tennessee, Cobalt remains a privately held company, its founders still at the helm, still engaged in the daily management of Cobalt design and Cobalt manufacturing, still refusing ever to admit that good enough is good enough.

Bryant Boats
Bryant Boats is located in Sweetwater - a small, quiet little town within A STONE'S THROW of some of the most scenic lakes in the southeast. Each boat is painstakingly crafted by hand. Every boat is 100% wood free and 100% hand laminated.

Malibu Boats
Malibu Boats' state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located on the Tennessee River in Loudon, TN. The Tennessee Plant is responsible for approximately 50% of Malibu Boats production and has just completed another expansion. Their size is now approaching 150,000 square feet, similar to the California plant. Malibu is the first and only ski boat manufacturer to own and operate multiple manufacturing facilities. East and West Coast facilities enables delivery of their products nationwide with a significant freight advantage to our dealers and customers.

Bullet Boats
Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, Bullet Boats' objective is to design and manufacture a very high quality tournament bass boat that out performs any other. In business for over 25 years, their construction methods do not allow for mass manufacturing, so production is limited.

Other Boat Manufacturers:
Stroker Boats
Sail Abration Houseboats
Black Diamond Marine, 4018 Morganton Rd, Maryville, TN 37801, (865) 379-5400

Aluminum Manufacturing

Alcoa, Inc.
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production, and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses as a single solution to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also makes and markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap®, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 123,000 employees in 44 countries.

Home Appliance Components

Ceramaspeed
Ceramaspeed is the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of innovative, high temperature electric heating, insulating, and electronic control systems. Ceramaspeed's technology provides unprecedented responsiveness, control and energy efficiency to suit a broad range of applications ranging from domestic cooking appliances, to industrial heating, drying, curing and baking applications.