With Volkswagen’s assembly plant, Alstom’s key expansion and a budding nuclear rebirth, Ray Childers said it’s a good time to move on after 18 years heading the city’s manufacturing group.
“I think Chattanooga is in a good position,” he said. “It’s got a good running start on trying to be supportive of the new manufacturing – the manufacturing of the future.”
Mr. Childers plans to retire June 30 after serving as chief executive of the Chattanooga Manufacturers Association for nearly two decades following a long career with DuPont.
Tim Spires, a financial consultant with AXA Advisors and a former vice president of manufacturing at NA Industries in Chattanooga, will fill Mr. Childers’ CEO post.
Mr. Spires, 50, a past chairman of the CMA board, said it’s an exciting time.
“The Chattanooga area has a long, rich history,” he added.
VW plans to start making cars at its new assembly plant early next year, employing more than 2,000 people.
Alstom Power Turbomachines’ new $280 million Chattanooga plant is on track to start partial production in June, and about 350 workers ultimately will be hired, according to the company.
KEY PROJECTS* Volkswagen – 2,000 jobs* VW supplier park – 500 jobs* Wacker – 500 jobs* Alstom – 350 jobs* Gestamp – 230 jobs* SIAG Aerisyn – 120 jobs
Local economic developers see Alstom as an example of the renaissance of the nuclear industry with Chattanooga benefiting from the renewed interest.
Mr. Childers, 71, who plans to remain active in lobbying, government relations and other advocacy activities, said a strong central manufacturing core is essential to the area’s growth.
“I’m delighted to see that strong core that had been weakening for a number of years coming back strong,” he said. “I’m proud of that and really proud of what small impact CMA had.”
While Mr. Spires most recently has been a financial consultant, he has remained involved in CMA.
“Manufacturing is from my heart,” he said.
Mr. Spires plans to come aboard the 108-year-old manufacturing group on Monday and work with Mr. Childers until he leaves.