Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations Names Local Firm for Plant Security
-- Walden Security selected for $1.9 million security contract --
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., March 16 -- Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC announced today that it has selected Chattanooga-based Walden Security for a $1.9 million contract. Walden Security, a WBENC-Certified Women's Business Enterprise, will provide access control and physical security for the construction site over the next two years.
"Walden Security has nearly two decades of experience in this area and Volkswagen is pleased to have them provide us with plant-related security," said Frank Fischer, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations.
"Being selected to provide security for Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations project provides Walden Security with a great opportunity to build a lasting relationship with VWGoA both locally and nationally. This is an exciting time in Chattanooga's history and we are thankful to be a part of it," said Michael Walden, president of Walden Security.
Walden Security was established in Chattanooga in 1990 by Amy S. and Michael S. Walden, CPP. It expects to employ 35 additional local security professionals to support this project.
"We are committed to developing both a diverse work force and a diverse supplier base," said Hans-Herbert Jagla, executive vice president, Human Resources of VWGoA Chattanooga Operations. "This contract with Walden is another example of our commitment."
Volkswagen Group of America will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the plant and create 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an addition 9,500 jobs over the life of the project.
To date, nearly $57 million in local contracts have been awarded by the city, state and Volkswagen; this includes almost $12 million for Volkswagen contractors and subcontractors, with another $230 million over the next 20 years.
Volkswagen is in the early stages of procurement and will continue to expand its local and national supplier base in the coming months. The company has announced that at least ten percent of the suppliers for the production facility will be minority and women-owned businesses by start of production and that five percent of suppliers for the vehicle will be minority and women-owned by start of production, with the goal of 10 percent by 2015. Volkswagen is partnering with local, state and federal organizations to help achieve that goal.
About Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the world's third largest automaker and the largest carmaker in Europe. It houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, as well as VW Credit, Inc. Founded in 1955, the company's headquarters are in Herndon, Va.
Volkswagen Group of America brings to the U.S. vehicles that marry the science of engineering and the art of styling, with the goal of offering attractive, safe, and environmentally sound automobiles that are competitive and set world standards in their respective classes.
The company has approximately 2,500 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through an 800-strong dealer network. With increasing popularity for its brands in the U.S., the company has set the goal of reaching one million car sales in the country by 2018.
For more information, visit www.volkswagengroupamerica.com. About Walden Security
Through a company-wide ISO(R) 9001:2000 Certified Quality Management System, Walden Security, a division of Metropolitan Security, has earned an award-winning reputation for business excellence and employee satisfaction through the delivery of contract security services to commercial and government facilities.
A WBENC-Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), Walden Security is a family business, and it is this spirit that prevails among all the dedicated professionals who come together to ensure the security and protection of our clients' most important assets. The collaboration of local management, human resources, and administration to support our security officers on the front lines is proof that we are all here with the same goal: to be the customer satisfaction leader and sworn ally that guarantees unwavering confidence to our clients and to those whom we protect.
Since 1990, Walden Security has geographically diversified into sixteen states across the United States. Walden Security is an authorized contractor (Contract No.GS-07F-5806P) for the General Services Administration - Federal Supply Service and is a WBENC-Certified WBE, (Certificate Number 252727). For more information about Walden Security, please visit www.waldensecurity.com or call 800.846.4350
