“Dickson County is excited about the TN Composites’ expansion and the new jobs the company will create,” commented Dickson County Mayor Bob Rial. “This business growth arises from strong relationships cultivated with our existing industries and relies on our skilled workforce to meet the challenges of evolving technology and innovation.”
“I am thrilled with TN Composites’ expansion plans in White Bluff and Dickson County,” said White Bluff Mayor Linda Hayes. “TN Composites, formally Ebbtide Boats, has been a large, local employer for generations. Today’s announcement of a significant investment in infrastructure, coupled with the creation of 130 new jobs, is great news for our local economy and workforce. I wish TN Composites much success in the coming years.”
Piedmont Lithium Investing $582M In Etowah Manufacturing Facility
Earlier this month, Piedmont Lithium officials announced it will invest $582 million to establish a lithium hydroxide processing, refining and manufacturing facility in Southeast Tennessee. Located in McMinn County at the North Etowah Industrial Park, a CSX and Select Tennessee Certified Site, Piedmont will create 117 new jobs in Etowah.
“We are excited to announce the site of our newest project and partnership with the City of Etowah, McMinn County and the State of Tennessee as we advance our strategic goal of becoming a leading lithium supplier to the U.S.,” said Keith Phillips, CEO and president, Piedmont Lithium. “We are humbled by the warm welcome we have received from our new partners, and we look forward to making Piedmont an integral part of the Etowah and McMinn County communities as we develop Tennessee Lithium together for our mutual success.”
As a producer of lithium hydroxide, a critical component in the supply chain for both the electric vehicle and battery storage markets, Piedmont’s Tennessee Lithium project will support energy security in the U.S. and the transition to a clean energy economy in North America. The new manufacturing plant will utilize more environmentally responsible and economic processing technology, supporting Piedmont’s objective of becoming a large, low-cost, sustainable producer of lithium products.
Belmont, NC-based Piedmont is a battery-grade lithium hydroxide producer whose U.S. investments also include the Carolina Lithium project, a proposed integrated operation located in the world-class Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt. The company’s North Carolina and Tennessee operations, along with its equity interests in international projects, will help establish North America as a key global producer of lithium hydroxide.
“Companies like Piedmont choose to call Tennessee home because of our unmatched workforce and strong business climate,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I thank this company for its investment in McMinn County and commitment to create nearly 120 manufacturing jobs for Tennesseans.”
Since 2018, TNECD has supported more than 50 economic development projects in the Southeast Tennessee region, resulting in approximately 7,500 job commitments and nearly $3 billion in capital investment.
Bridgestone Will Invest $550M In Tennessee Manufacturing Expansion
To support growing demand in the commercial vehicle sector, Nashville-based Bridgestone will create 380 jobs at its truck and bus radial tire plant in Morrison, TN. Meanwhile, Ventcon grows in Madison County. “Centrally located within the southern automotive corridor, Tennessee continues to attract companies in the electric vehicle industry,” said McWhorter. “We believe McMinn County will be the ideal location to support Piedmont‘s growth and success and appreciate this company’s significant investment in rural Tennessee. Thank you to the local community and our partners at CSX for their support in making this win a reality.”
“McMinn County has always been on the forefront of state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing, and we are happy to continue in that role,” commented McMinn County Mayor John Gentry. “The nature of Piedmont’s production requires highly skilled labor, and their decision to locate here is a true testament to our local workforce. The jobs created by Piedmont will be life-changing for many families in our community.”
“We are delighted that Piedmont has chosen Etowah as their new location,” said Etowah City Mayor Burke Garwood. “The company will bring a positive impact to our community and the surrounding area, and we say, ‘come on down.’”
