Carpet fiber maker coming to Coffee County

A Japanese company will invest $32 million and create 70 jobs in a Manchester, Tenn., plant that will recycle plastic bottles into carpet fiber to be used in automobile applications, Gov. Bill Haslam announced today.

Ryuji Matsumoto, president of VIAM Manufacturing Inc., joined Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty for the announcement.

The Manchester plant will produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) stable carpet fiber by recycling PET clear bottles to be used in headliners seat backs and door panels in the automotive industry, according to a news release.

Future expansion plans include supplying PET stable carpet fiber to VIAM Manufacturing in their manufacture of automotive floor mats. VIAM is a supplier for many of the big automotive companies, including Nissan North America, Inc.

The plant's 12-acre site will house a 44,000 square foot facility with the capability for a future expansion of 120,000 square feet.

It is expected to open in 2012.

VICAM is a new subsidiary of leading nonwoven materials producer Japan Vilene Co. It will be managed by VIAM Manufacturing and utilize technology developed by Oyama Chemical.

"I welcome VICAM to Tennessee and thank JVC, VIAM Manufacturing and Oyama Chemical for their confidence in our state's business friendly climate and high-quality workforce," Gov. Haslam said.

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