automotive suppliers | nashvillepost.com

Auto consultants drive into downtown Franklin

Urban Science, a retail consulting firm based in the same Detroit office complex General Motors calls home, has set up a nine-person shop just off Franklin's Public Square. Plans call for the addition of a few more staffers this year as the 33-year-old firm begins to work its auto-related marketing magic.

Feb 17, 2010 3:25 PM

Saturn ail ya?

If so, the state's got help. The Department of Labor & Workforce Development is dedicating more than $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act cash to retraining efforts for workers at the now-shuttered Saturn/GM plant in Spring Hill as well as its suppliers.

From the presser:

“These Recovery Act dollars will go a long way to help unemployed workers prepare for jobs in areas where there are skill shortages,” said Commissioner [James] Neeley. “We are committed to helping as many people as possible who are looking to rejoin the workforce.”

Dec 16, 2009 9:50 AM

Bridgestone does its part to fight deflation

Citing persistent rises in its raw material costs — see the action in light crude this year at left courtesy of Wikinvest — the tire maker will raise its prices 5 percent when the crystal ball drops in Times Square.

Dec 2, 2009 8:03 AM

Auto supplier rolls out new products

Vista-Pro, the roll-up automotive supplier that set up its HQ here this year, has this month introduced a range of new products for various Big Three models.

Nov 24, 2009 2:03 PM

Auto supplier scouting state

An Ontario maker of headrests and other auto parts is looking at expanding in Tennessee as well as in Mexico and near Evansville, Ind. Windsor Machine Group's project would eventually bring with it about 130 jobs.

Nov 12, 2009 7:40 AM

Cash for clunkers' local boost

Middle Tennessee's factory sector saw a nice boost in activity during September, with hours worked at durable goods manufacturers jumping almost 20 percent.

Oct 30, 2009 2:26 PM

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Another franchisor targets Nashville

Glass Doctor, which markets various residential and commercial glass services from almost 400 stores around the country, says Nashville is on its wish list for franchising. The average franchised store rings up about $850,000 in annual revenues. SEE ALSO: A snapshot of other franchisors who have cast their eye on Music City

Oct 19, 2009 3:07 PM

Auto supplier updates HQ relo status

Vista-Pro Automotive, the car parts maker created by a Chicago private-equity investor this summer, says it plans to relocate at least 60 more people to its new Century City home in the coming year. SEE ALSO: Auto supplier shakeout nets Nashville HQ

Oct 15, 2009 2:44 PM

The trouble with being in the auto business right now

Companies in many sectors are complaining about the lack of available credit, but few could say they have it as bad as automotive suppliers. WPLN's Daniel Potter reports on the hunt for capital and the rays of hope in auto manufacturing.

“Even good suppliers are being viewed skeptically by and large because they’re associated with the automotive industry. And the industry as a whole is in fairly difficult shape.” DeKoker has tracked about 50 parts supplier bankruptcies so far – nowhere near the fallout he would’ve predicted in this economy. He chalks that up to companies “hibernating” – slowing production in hopes of lasting until business can pick up again.

Oct 8, 2009 12:41 PM

Labor deal for Bridgestone

Representatives of Bridgestone America Tire Operations and the United Steelworkers have agreed on the broad strokes of a new collective bargaining agreement that will cover more than 2,800 at four factories.

Sep 17, 2009 7:27 AM