NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — After several layoffs announced in Rutherford County, Nissan executives have announced plans to ramp up production in Smyrna amid tariff discussions. 

Nissan’s Smyrna plant is responsible for making Nissan Rogues and employs roughly 5,700 workers. Representative Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) recalled Nissan coming to town back in 1983. 

“That company impacted so many of our family members, our neighbors, our classmates — it's exciting," Sparks said. "It's made such a difference in our community."

At the end of January, Nissan announced plans to cut jobs. Bridgestone also announced the closure of its La Vergne plant, which employs 700 people.

Last week, Saks Global Tennessee Fulfilment Center filed an official WARN notice with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, notifying the agency of a permanent closure beginning June 4, which will impact 446 workers.  

However, a Nissan chairperson told CNBC the company will reverse course and work to "max out" production amid tariff talks. 

“It's hard to find an operation in Middle Tennessee that has a greater impact on our regional economy than the Nissan plant in Smyrna,” Patrick Cammack, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce, said.

Nissan leaders are working to ramp up production at its 6,000,000-square-foot facility in Smyrna. The plant has the capacity to produce 640,000 cars each year, which is more than double the plant's current production. It would require adding a third shift. 

“For every job a Nissan employee has there, there are multiple — at least three — jobs that it's responsible for in the region," Cammack said. "That's from suppliers to something that's not even automotive related, but something that's more community-related because of all the growth that's happening at Nissan and then all the jobs that kind of come behind it."

A spokesperson for Nissan told News 2 that it’s not clear when or how many jobs could come with this new expansion.

Amid mixed reviews of ongoing tariff discussions, Sparks said he's glad to see jobs spared in his community. 

“Bringing domestic production back to America and Smyrna, Tennessee is exciting news and it should be exciting for all Tennesseans,” Sparks said.

News 2 requested an interview with Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed and received the following statement:

"The success of our local businesses is the heartbeat of our town's growth. Keeping more Rogue production in Smyrna is a good indication that the company continues investing in the Smyrna plant."

For anyone laid off and looking for work, you can visit your local American Jobs Center, visit this link or contact the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce directly.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nissan-smyrna-plans-production-increase/