TDS US Automotive Announces New Facility in Chesapeake, Virginia to Support Ford Expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2002

For Further Information:

Mark Wright TDS US Automotive 734-246-4242 www.4tdsus.com

Warren D. Harris, Director City of Chesapeake Economic Development (757) 382-8040

CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA…..TDS US Automotive, a logistics services provider for the automotive industry, has announced plans to open its newest facility in Chesapeake, Virginia. The company will create 210 new jobs through a $2.4 million investment.

"TDS US Automotive has made an excellent decision by investing in the Commonwealth," said Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner. "This announcement is great news for the people of Chesapeake and the region's highly respected automotive sector."

TDS US will support the recent expansion of the nearby Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, and joins other automotive suppliers such as Visteon, Johnson Controls and Nistem already located in Chesapeake. The facility will provide metering and sequencing of parts in support of Ford's assembly operations in Norfolk and just-in-time delivery to the manufacturing line.

"The City of Chesapeake is greatly pleased by the decision of TDS US Automotive to locate their newest automotive support center here" said Chesapeake Mayor William E.
Ward. "TDS US Automotive is consistently recognized for its commitment to the customer, the employees and the community. The company is a significant addition to Chesapeake's economic base and helps meet the city's goals of attracting more minority-owned and automotive related businesses."

TDS US, a minority-owned venture with TDS Automotive, is headquartered in Brownstown, Michigan. The company's new 450,000-square-foot facility will be its first facility outside of Michigan. Currently, TDS US operates four other facilities and employs 450 people. Hiring for the Chesapeake facility will begin in the spring of 2003, and will include employment opportunities for material handling and sequencing operators, as well as support personnel.

"We are excited about our new partnership with Virginia," said Mark Wright, President and CEO of TDS US. "This area offers us the opportunity to continue to build a qualified and motivated workforce while working cooperatively with state and local agencies. This combination is a real win for all of us."

The City of Chesapeake Economic Development Department, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership assisted TDS US in their site location search. The company qualifies for rail access funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and will take advantage of Enterprise Zone benefits administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the City of Chesapeake. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services in cooperation with Tidewater Community College. The company's operations will be located in buildings owned and managed by D.D. Jones Warehouse and Transfer Company.