By Drew C. Robinson
Tribune Staff Writer
OTICS USA has been a cornerstone of modern manufacturing in Morristown and the automotive manufacturer celebrated its 25th anniversary on Thursday with a ceremony recognizing its growth and contributions to the area economy and looking forward to continued growth as the company expands further as vehicle technology evolves.
State representatives, local government and business leaders and OTICS executives all filled into the reception area of the Morristown plant.

“We are honored to mark the 25th anniversary of our company, OTICS USA,” OTICS USA President Naoto Suzuki said. “This milestone would not have been possible without the continued understanding, cooperation, and generous support of the local community, as well as the privilege of working with the highly skilled and talented workforce in this region.
“We extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to all. Our ability to sustain and grow our business in the U.S. is entirely due to the warm welcome and steadfast support we have received as a member of the community, along with the dedication and excellence of the people who have been part of our organization.”
OTICS USA was founded in 2001 as the first U.S. operation of Japan-based OTICS Corporation. It has expanded four times since its Morristown manufacturing facility was opened and in 2016 it added an additional facility in Kodak that also expanded that growth included starting with 20 employees and expanding to over 500 between the two East Tennessee locations.
The company manufactures engine components and transaxle parts for the automotive industry and supplies customers including Toyota Motor Corp. and Aisin World of America.
OTICS USA officials attribute the company’s success to a manufacturing philosophy centered on continuous improvement, known as “Kaizen,” along with a customer-first approach emphasizing quality, productivity, delivery and cost control. The company’s commitment to quality has earned multiple Toyota Superior Quality Awards — one of the automaker’s highest supplier honors — including recognition in 2008, 2010-15 and 2021-23. OTICS also received Toyota Excellent Quality Awards in 2009 and 2020, reflecting its long-standing performance as a supplier to the automotive industry.

This commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed in the Lakeway Area.
“25 years ago, OTICS Corporation did their research and opened OTICS USA here in Morristown,” Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney said. “And it’s been an outstanding relationship for both of us. Of course, OTICS USA has made a huge economic impact. You have a 400,000 square foot facility, which has been expanded four times since then to add another 55,000 square feet. And to make a very high quality, a variety of high quality parts for America’s automobile industry and to provide desirable jobs for over 300 people (in Morristown).”
Chesney’s county counterpart was also effusive.
“Your company’s dedication has not only contributed to our economic success here, but it also has provided much needed incomes for families,” Hamblen County Mayor Chris Cutshaw said. “To enrich our families and our community, we thank you for being here. Thank you for what you’ve done.”
The Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce presented OTICS with a Yoshino Japanese Cherry Tree and representative spoke about the company.
“It is truly remarkable to reflect on the vision that OTICS had back 25 years ago when they decided to come and locate here in Morristown,” MACC Chair Rhonda Sams said. “Morristown has a proud and long-standing manufacturing history, and we’re honored that OTICS USA has become such an important part of that legacy.”
MACC President Marshall Ramsey gave a big picture perspective.

“(I see) OTIC’s strength as a worldwide company, not just in Japan,” Ramsey said. “What I try to relate to people is the size of some of these countries of companies we work with. Japan’s 100,000 square miles smaller than Texas. And look at the technology and the development that comes out of such a small country — how they’re able to share that around the world — and the impact that means in our community through jobs. And for our community, being a sales tax-driven state, there’s nothing more valuable than the jobs created because those people are going to spend money in our small businesses and continue to invest in our community. So, when I see your awards, that means a lot because it means you’ve continued to invest in our community.”
With technology shifting and international markets in flux, it’s difficult to say how OTICS will continue to grow, but it’s certain their philosophy will keep them headed in the right direction, according to their leadership.
“We never settle for the status quo and continuously seek ways to improve in response to changing environments and customer needs,” Suzuki said. “We believe these philosophy have been the foundation of our long-term success.”
OTICS Vice President of Operation Management Development Steve Parks provided a look at what industry needs the company is looking forward to meeting.
“It’s difficult to accurately project what the automotive market will look like in 5 to 10 years,” he said. “However, we envision the future will focus heavily on Electric and Hybrid vehicles. Therefore, our product base has migrated to support current and future production requirements of electrified vehicles such as Hybrid Electric, Plug in Hybrid Electric, and Battery Electric Vehicles. We feel this will well position our company to be successful for the next 5 to 10 years.
“As for manufacturing, we also plan to expand the use of advanced manufacturing technology such as AI and robotics within our production process. We aim to continue to be a stable and long standing company within the local and regional communities for years to come.”