Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with HP Pelzer Automotive Systems officials have announced the company will locate a new 185,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Mt. Verd Industrial Park in Athens, TN. 
HP Pelzer, a supplier of automotive acoustic and interior trim parts, will create 200 jobs and invest $28 million at the McMinn County facility.
“I want to thank HP Pelzer for its investment in Tennessee and the new jobs created in McMinn County,” Haslam said. “Our Jobs4TN strategy recognizes the auto sector as a key industry cluster where Tennessee has a distinct advantage with more than 900 auto suppliers and manufacturers, and today’s announcement helps us toward our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“Tennessee offers the automotive industry unparalleled logistical advantages and a strong manufacturing base with a quality workforce,” Hagerty said. “I appreciate HP Pelzer recognizing our state’s inherent strengths in the auto sector and the competitive edge that Tennessee’s business friendly environment provides.”
“Athens, TN is the perfect location for us to manufacture and supply parts to our automotive partners. We are quite pleased to make it our new home,” HP Pelzer Chief Operating Officer Steve Paladino said.
“TVA congratulates HP Pelzer on its decision to locate a facility in Athens, Tennessee,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “TVA and Athens Utilities Board are privileged to partner with the state of Tennessee, the McMinn County Economic Development Authority, the Southeast Industrial Development Association and other community leaders to facilitate HP Pelzer’s location and growth in McMinn County.”
“We are delighted to have HP Pelzer join our community,” Athens City Mayor Hal Buttram said. “This will bring much-needed jobs to our citizens.”
Headquarterd in Witten, Germany, the HP Pelzer Group operates 37 manufacturing sites and five technical centers employing more than 5,000 people in 18 countries. In the U.S., the McMinn County site will join other HP Pelzer facilities in Michigan, Georgia and Kansas.
