US based automotive parts supplier Van-Rob Manchester will expand its Coffee County facility in the US with an investment of about $16.8m.

The manufacturer expects the expansion to support its goal of becoming the top notch location in the Southeast region.

Van-Rob CEO Dennis Berry said the location is a critical component for the success of the company as an expanding Tier One auto supplier.

"Tennessee's dedicated workforce, great infrastructure, and pro-business climate make the state the perfect place to expand our operations of Engineered Lightweight Automotive Solutions," Berry added.

Expansion of the facility will be done in two separate phases, which includes integration of two plants located on Volunteer Parkway that will add an area of 42,500sqft to the 112,000sqft Coffee County facility and is scheduled to be completed by December 2013.

The second phase expansion will increase the facility's press shop with 36,000sqft to allow larger transfer presses for future growth and is scheduled for completion in the upcoming years.