Ficosa Cookeville: Global Manufacturing Meets Empower UC Opportunity
Ficosa North America’s Cookeville facility has long stood out as a major hub for automotive-safety manufacturing, producing rear-view mirrors and vision systems for automakers around the world. The plant — opened in 2016 — spans roughly 270,000 square feet and offers a range of roles from assembly to engineering.
But now, Ficosa takes on a new role in the region: as a certified employer with Empower Upper Cumberland. This designation underlines its commitment to providing stable jobs, fair wages, and opportunities for growth — while partnering with regional workforce supports to help build stronger local communities.
What It Means to Be Empower Certified
Becoming an Empower Certified Employer means Ficosa aligns with Empower UC’s standards: offering liveable entry-level pay, full-time positions, benefits, and paths for career advancement.
As part of that certification, Ficosa becomes eligible for the supports that Empower UC provides employers. These include priority job-posting to Empower participants, recruiting assistance through workforce channels, and — should Ficosa hire Empower participants — potential wage-reimbursement incentives for the first phase of new hires.
Why This Matters Locally
For residents of Cookeville and the broader Upper Cumberland region, Ficosa’s certification could open doors. It signals that the company is not only offering jobs, but is also willing to partner intentionally with community workforce efforts — making stable employment more accessible to people who may face barriers entering the labor force.
Meanwhile, the combination of a globally connected manufacturing operation and local commitment through Empower UC reinforces how regional businesses can anchor economic strength while supporting long-term community growth.
Ficosa as a Model Employer in Upper Cumberland
By becoming Empower-certified, Ficosa joins a growing list of regional employers choosing to invest in both people and productivity. Their Cookeville plant shows how businesses in the Upper Cumberland can provide high-quality jobs while embracing social responsibility — offering a template for others who want to grow responsibly in this community.
