Tennessee's standing to entice auto manufacturing projects got a boost in September when the Tennessee Valley Authority announced that a second industrial site in the state has been independently certified as a megasite. West Tennessee Auto Park, a 1,600-acre (648-hectare) industrial site near Alamo, about 60 miles (97 km.) northeast of Memphis and 15 miles (24 km.) from Jackson, was certified by McCallum Sweeney Consulting. The site, located just north of Interstate 40, near Interstate 155, is near Memphis International Airport, McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson and a CSX mainline rail.

Aisin Automotive Casting opened its new plant in Clinton in late September. The facility, which may create up to 400 jobs by 2007, will supply engine parts for Toyota vehicles.

   "Having a certified, ready-for-development megasite in West Tennessee gives the community and the Tennessee Valley a huge advantage in recruiting new automotive manufacturing facilities and other industries," said Bill Baxter, TVA chairman. Tennessee's other certified megasite is in Chattanooga. TVA's program also has certified sites in Columbus, Miss. (near Tupelo), and near Hopkinsville, Ky.
   The automotive industry, which accounts for a third of Tennessee's manufacturing work force, is firmly entrenched in the state with recent developments including Nissan's decision to build its Altima hybrid car at its Smyrna plant beginning next year. The company's presence in the state would grow significantly if speculation that the company might move its North American headquarters from California to the state proves true.