Automotive Manufacturing in the Golden Triangle
Where Precision Manufacturing Meets a High-Performance Workforce
The Golden Triangle Region is a prime location for automotive suppliers, advanced component manufacturers, and electric vehicle–related industries
With a deep bench of skilled labor, nationally recognized workforce training centers, and strong logistics connectivity, the region offers everything needed to design, build, assemble, and distribute automotive components at scale.
Positioned in the heart of the Southeast automotive corridors, the Golden Triangle provides direct access to OEMs in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia, making it an ideal base for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 suppliers.
A Thriving Automotive & Advanced Manufacturing Cluster
The Golden Triangle has built an impressive track record in precision manufacturing, metals, and automotive-related production. Key regional employers supporting or supplying the automotive industry include:
Terberg Taylor manufactures and distributes terminal tractors, also known as yard trucks or shunters
LOWNDES
COUNTY
Cars, Light, and Heavy Vehicle Manufacturers near the Golden Triangle Region
2
Advanced Training Centers
90K+
Regional Workforce
1,500+
Engineering Graduations per Year (MSU)
80M within 1-day drive
Market Reach
10+ within 1-day drive
Nearby OEM’s
SKILLED
WORKFORCE
The region’s workforce and manufacturing expertise position the Golden Triangle as a strategic supplier location for metal stamping, engines, electrification components, drivetrain systems, plastics, and precision-machined parts.
Mississippi State University is a leading research university in engineering, materials, and advanced manufacturing. It provides skilled talent pools in:
- Mechanical engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Computer science and automation
The Golden Triangle’s competitive advantage is its customized workforce training pipeline.
East Mississippi Community College’s (EMCC) Golden Triangle Campus offers programs in precision manufacturing and machining technology, industrial maintenance technology, mechatronics technology, and advanced manufacturing skills through its Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Division.
The Workforce Services Division is housed at The Communiversity, located near the Golden Triangle campus on Highway 82. It provides educational training space that is designed and equipped to provide rigorous technical education to the workforce.
SPECIALIZED
TRAINING
Logistics & Connectivity for Automotive Suppliers
Automotive production relies on speed, reliability, and just-in-time delivery—and the Golden Triangle delivers.
Highway Connectivity
- U.S. Highways 45 and 82 provide fast links to I-20, I-22, I-55, and I-59
- One-day reach to nearby OEMs in MS, AL, TN, GA, and AR
Extensive Rail Access
- Class-I rail service (CPKC) for inbound raw materials and outbound finished goods
Port Access
- Lowndes County Port and Raymond D. Lucas Memorial Port on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
- Access to global markets through Gulf Coast ports (Mobile, New Orleans, Gulfport)
Air Connectivity
- Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) for executive travel and air cargo connections, offering daily flights to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
- 8,000-ft Runway 18/36
- 3 international airports within 2.5 hours
This multimodal network provides automotive suppliers with a cost-effective, reliable distribution system across the Southeast.
Innovation, Materials, and Engineering Strength
The Golden Triangle is anchored by Mississippi State University, one of the nation’s leading research universities in engineering, materials, and advanced manufacturing.
INCENTIVES & BUSINES CLIMATE
Mississippi offers a pro-growth business environment designed to support manufacturing investment:
- Tax incentives for manufacturing, machinery, and property improvements
- Workforce training incentives (often at no cost)
- Low industrial energy costs
- Fast-track permitting and site-ready development support
- Competitive wages and a strong regional work ethic
Local communities and GTR LINK work closely with companies to customize support packages for high-impact automotive projects.
Employees and their families find the Golden Triangle to be a welcoming, affordable, and high-quality place to live and work.
- Affordable housing and short commutes
- Excellent schools and access to Mississippi State University amenities
- Outdoor recreation, lakes, and river access
- Vibrant college-town culture and family-friendly communities
From charming small towns to collegiate energy, the region blends innovation with Southern hospitality.
QUALITY OF LIFE
CONNECT WITH US
Grow your automotive business in the Golden Triangle Region.
Our team at GTR Link offers site selection assistance, workforce coordination, data analysis, and project support.