Nissan North America has opened what it bills as “its most advanced paint plant in the world” at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.
The automaker claims the new paint shop sets new standards for quality, efficiency and environmental impacts, as it is capable of reducing energy consumption by 30%, carbon emissions by 30% and volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions by 70%.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The plant will use an innovative three-wet paint process that applies all three paint layers in succession, before the vehicle goes into the oven. Previous processes required the vehicle to bake in between the primer application and the topcoat layers. Implementation of this new technology reduces energy consumption, cost and emissions while increasing production efficiency.
The 250,000 sq ft footprint plant is located next to the vehicle assembly plant in Tennessee – opened in 1983 – and replaces the original paint system in service for nearly 30 years.
“Nissan is committed to increase energy efficiency as we reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing the highest quality vehicles sold in North America,” said Susan Brennan, the head of manufacturing in Smyrna. “These efforts align with our global strategies of zero-emission leadership and corporate social responsibility.”
The plant is Nissan’s ‘showcase project’ as part of the US Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Better Plants Challenge, where the automaker has committed to reducing energy intensity in its three US plants 25% by 2020. (There is another vehicle assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi and an engine plant in Decherd, Tennessee.)
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataIn May 2012, the Smyrna plant became the first passenger vehicle manufacturing facility to attain ISO 50001 and Superior Energy Performance (SEP) certifications. Accredited under the American National Standards Institute and National Accreditation Board, these certifications recognise the facility as a leader in energy management.
