Lifetime Products, Inc. will locate new manufacturing and distribution operations in Knox County, TN. The blow-molded plastic products manufacturer will invest $115 million and create 500 jobs.
“We spent over a year researching different locations on the East Coast,” said Richard Hendrickson, president and CEO Lifetime Products, Inc. “After meeting with local state and economic groups, Tennessee was obviously the best option. We are excited to facilitate the creation of U.S. manufacturing jobs and opportunities for the people of the Knoxville area and the state of Tennessee.”
Lifetime Products manufactures blow-molded plastics products ranging from plastic folding tables and chairs, basketball hoops and outdoor sheds to kayaks and paddleboards. Lifetime was started in 1986 with 15 employees and now employs over 2,700 people worldwide.
“We want to thank Lifetime Products for choosing to invest in Tennessee and for creating 500 jobs in Knox County,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam. “It is always great news when a company decides to locate to Tennessee and our goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs is made possible with the support of companies like Lifetime.”
Lifetime’s new manufacturing and distribution operations will be located in the former GE building in Knox County. The existing building is 360,000 square feet and the company plans to double the size by adding a new building to the existing structure. The facility will produce Lifetime’s water sports line that includes kayaks and paddleboards as well as its outdoor children’s playset line. With this new facility, the company will be able to meet its customers’ increased demand for Lifetime’s products. Lifetime plans to have the facility operational by summer 2017.
“Lifetime’s product line and brand is a perfect match for Knox County’s urban wilderness brand and I am excited to welcome them to Tennessee,” said Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd. “A company like Lifetime, that ships products to 86 countries worldwide, will benefit from the geographic location and infrastructure advantages that Tennessee has to offer. I appreciate Lifetime for choosing to invest in Knox County and look forward to seeing their success.”
“TVA and Knoxville Utilities Board congratulate and welcome Lifetime Products on its decision to locate its newest manufacturing facility in Tennessee,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “We are proud to serve the people of the Valley and partner with Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, Knox Development Corporation, city of Knoxville and Knox County officials and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help facilitate job creation in this area.”
