ELKHART — Car sales are slumping, but a local auto parts maker will increase production and add 60 new jobs.

Tenneco is investing $6 million in its Elkhart plant. The president of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce says that money will provide long-term stability.

Toyota sales dropped more than 21 percent in June.

But Tenneco which makes Toyota parts is adding 60 new jobs. The company is building two new production lines.

Phil Penn, president of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, says that will keep them in Elkhart longer because it makes it harder for them to move.

"We have 1,100 plus manufacturing companies in Elkhart County. We want to see those companies thrive and stay here. They have other options, too," said Penn.

Tenneco has three other plants in Indiana.

Similarly, KIK Custom Products has 17 other plants in the country.

Both companies decided to add a combined total of 250 jobs in Elkhart.

"If word gets out that Elkhart is a good place to do business, other companies could start looking at us," said Penn.

Tenneco has already started hiring and will continue to do so until those positions are filled. KIK Custom Products will begin hiring this month for 190 new jobs. Penn expects these jobs to be high paying.

Tenneco joins a growing list of companies bringing jobs to the area.

Last month, Illinois-based Champion Media said it's adding 30 jobs in South Bend.

Heraeus Kulzer announced it's relocating its North American headquarters to South Bend, creating 45 new jobs.

And in April, IN Tec/IN Kote in New Carlisle announced an expansion plan that will include 100 new jobs by 2010.