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Economic boss optimistic after Germany trip
DeKalb County Economic Development Agency Director Jimmy Durham said he is “optimistic” after a trip to Wolfsburg, Germany last week to talk with Volkswagen representatives and various automotive suppliers.
Durham said the purpose to explain to Volkswagen suppliers why they should choose DeKalb County as a location for their plants. Volkswagen plans to open its U.S. production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. in 2011, a move expected to bring several supplier plants to the tri-state area.
Durham, along with several others representing the economic interests of various areas of Northeast Alabama including Jackson County, left for Germany last Tuesday and returned to the U.S. late Friday.
Durham said during the visit the group met with those who will manage the Chattanooga facility, plus “some of the potential major Volkswagen suppliers” about the benefits of locating their plants in DeKalb County.
“We don’t yet have any solid commitments from any Volkswagen suppliers, and it will be a while before Volkswagen specifically names who the suppliers will be, but we are optimistic,” he said. “Hopefully, we will begin getting inquiries sometime over the next few months.”
Durham said about 15 potential Volkswagen suppliers were presented with a list of potential plant location sites throughout DeKalb County. (read the story on-line)
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