CUMBERLAND COUNTY – A Crossville automotive supplier is reportedly considering packing up and leaving Cumberland County but is working with officials on possible incentives to stay.
The city’s ongoing negotiations with Ficosa, a tier I automotive supplier of rearview mirror systems, were the topic of discussion at Tuesday night’s council meeting as rumors continue to swirl about the company’s potential move.
City Manager David Rutherford said they have made a “very good offer” to incentivize Ficosa. He would not discuss those details specifically but said the numbers could possibly be released later – once Ficosa makes its decision and if the city council chooses to do so.
Rutherford did not say what other communities Ficosa was considering, but Crossville News First mentioned Cookeville as a possibility. Rutherford reiterated “no formal decision has been made.” Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce CEO George Halford added that it’s his organization’s policy not to comment on any potential existing business’ expansion, relocation or recruitment until any official announcement is made.
“We’re trying to be as professional as we possibly can, so that Ficosa has an opportunity to make their decision,” Rutherford said. “The last report we heard with a date certain was Aug. 31, (and) that date came and passed. They’re still finalizing a few details, and we should know something soon.”
Ficosa, formerly Delbar Products Inc., is located at 435 Sweeney Drive in Crossville and employs around 250, Crossville News First reported. Regionally, Ficosa made headlines in Crossville 2009 when it became the first manufacturer in the Upper Cumberland to benefit from the Volkswagen plant project in Chattanooga. Ficosa is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, and serves a wide variety of customers including Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, Chrysler and more.
