Randy Harrell, the Greene County Partnership's president, is urging local auto parts suppliers and subcontractors to seek business with what will become Volkswagen's big plant in Chattanooga.

Volkswagen AG, the German automaker, announced last August that it had chosen Chattanooga over sites in two other states for its new U.S. auto plant.

Volkswagen has approved up to $991.4 million to build the facility, with the plant aiming for a capacity of 150,000 cars a year.

Volkswagen plans to employ 2,000 workers in Chattanooga when it starts production in 2011.

Harrell said in a press release, "Last week, Alicia Summers, executive director of the Northeast Valley Tennessee Regional Industrial Development Association (NETVRIDA) in partnership with representatives from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) attended meetings in Chattanooga to meet with representatives of the Volkswagen project.

"The purpose of the meeting was to establish relationships with entities working the various aspects of the project, promote the Northeast Tennessee Valley Region and the benefits of considering local companies as potential automotive suppliers to Volkswagen.

"NTVRIDA and TNECD are to be commended for their aggressive action to promote local businesses throughout the Northeast region," said Harrell of the Greene County Partnership. "This was truly a positive step in the right direction," Harrell said.

He continued, "As a result of the meeting, they learned that there is a 'specific process' that must be followed for any company that would like to be considered as a potential supplier to Volkswagen. They also learned that local sub-contractors are welcome to submit bids through basically the same process.

"Automotive suppliers who would like to be considered must apply via the Volkswagen website. Access through www.tnecd. - locate heading "Do Business with Volkswagen". This will open the window "VW GROUP SUPPLY". Click on "Team Up With Us," then click on "Supplier Self Registration."

"Sub-contractors are to follow the same process as outlined above. The application on the Volkswagen website is to be used by both suppliers for the product and for sub-contractors interested in submitting bids. Additionally, potential sub-contractors must also submit an application through the City of Chattanooga website www.chattanooga.gov under the "General Services" tab.

"I encourage all local automotive suppliers and local sub-contractors in Greene County to apply. You never know until you try," Harrell said.