Discussion leads Autotherm to Chattanooga

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Chicago based commercial vehicle climate system manufacturer AutoTherm USA examined Chattanooga as a location for their expanded manufacturing facility based on discussions with episode49.

"While we did not have a match between Autotherm's requirements at this time and our capabilities, we were able to share with them how locating their facility here would meet some of the pressing business needs they told us about in our discussions", said Ken Smith, managing partner and chief strategist.

AutoTherm USA produces an aftermarket energy recovery system to keep a commerical vehicle warm without having to idle the engine. This efficient alternative to idling or costly fuel-fired heaters automatically continues heating the vehicle cab every time the engine is turned off. This dramatically reduces fuel usage.

Don Boyer, executive vice president of AutoTherm USA, met with the Chamber of Commerce, and US Xpress Enterprises and Covenant Transport, both large, over the road trucking companies. Jim Frierson, director of the Kruesi Center for Innovation and local business developer, arranged for Boyer to view locations for manufacturing.

Inventor and company president, Frank Perhats, is planning to return on a future visit to decide whether to locate the increased production in Chattanooga.

Additional information is available at www.autothermusa.com.