Tennessee
DENSO, one of the largest employers in East Tennessee, invests $100M to add 200 new jobs
Top 10 employers in Knoxville region
Top 10 employers in Knoxville region
DENSO, a Japanese auto parts giant with a major presence in East Tennessee, will expand its operations in Athens through a $100 million investment that will add 200 jobs and 54,560 square feet of production space.
The company is already the largest employer in McMinn County, where Athens is the county seat, and the eighth largest employer in the Knoxville region.
The Athens expansion, announced by state and company leaders Oct. 24, will allow DENSO to produce its latest efficient vehicle heating and air conditioning system at the facility.
“This day opens another chapter in how we strive to provide great career opportunities locally while contributing to greener and safer mobility across North America,” Marty Deschenes, president of DENSO’s Athens facility, said in a news release.
DENSO covers millions of square feet in East Tennessee
In 1988, DENSO set up shop in Maryville, where it produces various safety components, instrument clusters and automotive electronic products across 2.6 million square feet.
The company expanded to Athens in 1997, producing vehicle ignition, exhaust and gasoline delivery systems. The company employs around 5,000 people in Maryville and 1,444 people in Athens.
“Fostering partnerships with international companies like DENSO is a critical component of our recruitment efforts,” Stuart McWhorter, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, said in a news release. “DENSO is one of Tennessee’s longstanding partners and has been a cornerstone for business in McMinn County for years.”
DENSO, globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, is a $47.2 billion juggernaut with around 180 facilities and 162,000 employees worldwide.
Its North American arm, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, employs more than 27,000 people and generated $11.7 billion in sales during the fiscal year ending March 31.
Daniel Dassow is a growth and development reporter focused on technology and energy. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com.
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Tennessee
Four-star 2026 defensive back Justin Hopkins narrows list to 12, including Tennessee football
Ensworth defensive back Justin Hopkins included Tennessee football among his final 12 schools in a social media post Wednesday.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound four-star cornerback listed the Vols along with Vanderbilt, Minnesota, Duke, Missouri, Indiana, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Iowa, Ole Miss, Auburn and West Virginia on his X account, formerly known as Twitter.
He’s the No. 9-ranked prospect in Tennessee and No. 18 nationally at corner for the class of 2026, according to 247Sports Composite.
Hopkins also holds offers from Cincinnati, UConn, Memphis, Miami (Ohio), Purdue, Toledo, UNLV and Western Kentucky.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel guided the Vols to a College Football Playoff berth as one of the 12 teams in the newly expanded field. Heupel has had success securing some of the state’s top recruits in recent years, including Brentwood Academy quarterback George MacIntyre, Hopkins’ teammate, defensive tackle, Ethan Utley as well as Baylor wide receiver Joakim Dodson, Jefferson County offensive lineman Nic Moore and Sheffield wideout Radarious Jackson.
Hopkins helped guide Ensworth to an 11-1 record that included a trip to the TSSAA Division II-AAA state semifinal game. He finished the 2024 season with 42 receptions for 705 yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, he added 16 tackles, two for a loss, seven pass break-ups, two interceptions and a defensive TD.
Reach sports writer George Robinson at georgerobinsontheleafchronicle.com and on the X platform (formerly Twitter) @Cville_Sports.
Tennessee
Titans, Bengals Linked to Intriguing QB Trade
The Tennessee Titans need to find an answer at quarterback, as it’s looking more and more like Will Levis is not the answer for the future.
Yes, Levis played some solid football for a stretch this season, but he was recently benched in favor of Mason Rudolph, perhaps sealing his fate.
So, what will the Titans do under center?
The clearest path to landing a franchise quarterback would be drafting one, but Tennessee may not be in a position to land Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward in April. Could that means the Titans may explore a trade?
Justin Melo of Titan Sized thinks so and feels that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning could be an option for Tennessee during the offseason, noting that Titans head coach Brian Callahan served as Browning’s offensive coordinator in Cincinnati.
“Browning showcased the ability to execute the Zac Taylor and Callahan offense,” Melo wrote. “[Joe] Burrow’s backup is under contract for next season, but the Titans shouldn’t have too much difficulty working out trade compensation should they decide to travel that route. If Carthon and Callahan prefer to avoid making a lucrative investment, Browning would make some sense.”
With Burrow having the quarterback position locked down for the Bengals, Browning won’t get an opportunity to start in Cincinnati, barring an injury.
Remember: last year, Browning replaced an injured Burrow midseason and was very impressive, throwing for 1,936 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 70.4 percent of his passes and posting a 98.4 passer rating over nine appearances and seven starts.
The 28-year-old played his collegiate football at Washington and went undrafted, but he eventually made his way to the Bengals’ practice squad in 2021.
Browning has clear talent and should be able to start somewhere, and Tennessee could represent a perfect destination for the Folsom, Ca. native.
Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Tennessee
Tennessee man held on $1M bond after Adair County fatal crash
COLUMBIA, Ky. (WBKO) – One of two men charged in a fatal crash in Adair County last weekend remains jailed on a $1 million cash bond.
Joel Hammack, 46, of Crossville, Tennessee, appeared in court Monday morning for arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol.
The crash, which occurred Dec. 21 near Adair Elementary School in Columbia, involved two vehicles. Several individuals were injured, and a child was killed.
In court, Hammack reportedly expressed remorse, telling the courtroom, “I am sorry for all this. I am. I am truly sorry,” according to the Adair Community Voice.
Police who detained Hammack at the scene found three open beer containers in his truck. He was arrested and taken to TJ Samson Hospital in Columbia, where a blood test was administered.
Hammack, who has at least three prior DUI convictions in other states over the past decade, is set to appear in court again on Dec. 30 for a preliminary hearing. If the judge determines probable cause exists, the case will proceed to a grand jury for possible indictment.
A public defender has been appointed to represent Hammack.
Copyright 2024 WBKO. All rights reserved.
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