Metropolitan Chattanooga has the highest share of employees who work at foreign-owned businesses.
Even before recent expansions by VW, Beaulieu, Electrolux and Wacker, an estimated 12,670 jobs - or one of every 16 employees - were at foreign-owned businesses in the Chattanooga area, according to the Brookings Institution.
• In 2014, Electrolux of Sweden buys General Electric appliance division, including GE Roper in Lafayette, Ga.
• In 2014, Volkswagen of Germany announces plans to add 2,000 employees and build mid-sized SUV at Chattanooga assembly plant, which VW built in 2008.
• Beaulieu International Group, of Belgium announces plans to establish its U.S. headquarters in Cartersville, Ga., and create 350 jobs
• In 2012, Wacker Chemie of Germany expands plans for $2 billion polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tenn.
• In 2009, Gestamp of Spain builds $280 million automotive stamping plant in Chattanooga.
• In 2009, Sanofi-Aventis of France buys Chattem Inc. in Chattanooga
• In 2005, T-Mobile of Germany builds $16 million call center with nearly 800 employees in Chattanooga