gcep, Author at Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership

Advanced Manufacturing

Jun 22, 2021

Battery Material Producer Investing $160 Million in Chattanooga, Creating 300 Jobs

Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe Announce NOVONIX to Expand Chattanooga Manufacturing Operations

Project will create nearly 300 jobs in Hamilton County
Company develops and commercializes anode material for the lithium-ion battery market

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and NOVONIX officials announced today that the company will expand its Chattanooga manufacturing operations.

The project represents an investment of approximately $160 million and the creation of 290 new jobs in Hamilton County.

NOVONIX established its anode materials business, PUREgraphite, in March 2017 to develop and commercialize ultra-long-life, high performance anode material for the lithium-ion battery market, specifically for electric vehicles and similar storage applications.

To address the need for a US-based lithium-ion battery supply chain, NOVONIX will expand its operations in Chattanooga to produce the high purity and high consistency anode material required for long-life batteries.

NOVONIX plans to purchase and retrofit the former Alstom building, which will be the company’s second facility in Chattanooga. The 400,000+-square-foot plant will accommodate a planned 8,000+-tonne per year production operation and will join the existing operations located at 353 Corporate Place where the company has been since 2019.

Those interested in applying for a position with NOVONIX can email careers@puregraphite.com.

Since 2015, the Chattanooga Chamber has assisted with new business locations and expansions totaling over $2.5 billion in investments and over 7,800 jobs.

“We are excited to see NOVONIX’s commitment to grow in Chattanooga. This project will help build critical mass in the electric vehicle and battery storage sectors that we hope will help attract additional companies in this space.” – Charles Wood, VP of Economic Development, Chattanooga Chamber

“When companies like NOVONIX choose to expand in Tennessee, it underscores our state’s business-friendly environment, highly skilled workforce, and reputation for automotive strength. This project and the creation of nearly 300 new jobs will have a lasting impact on the Chattanooga community and Tennessee’s economy.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“The automotive industry is shifting to an all-electric future, and we are focused on supporting companies that boost Tennessee’s presence in the EV space. NOVONIX’s decision to increase US-based lithium-ion battery production from Chattanooga is an enormous vote of confidence to the region and its business landscape. We thank NOVONIX for its continued investment and job creation in Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

“We are excited to be announcing this next phase of expansion of our anode materials business in Tennessee. Chattanooga has been a great location for our operations over the past four years, and we look forward to growing the company in the expanding south-east hub of electric vehicle battery manufacturing. We look forward to continuing to work with the great people in Chattanooga, Hamilton County and the State of Tennessee as we help establish the domestic supply chain of key materials for the lithium-ion battery sector.” – Chris Burns, CEO, NOVONIX

“We’re one of the best places to do business, and it’s great to continually see new companies joining our economic landscape.” – Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger

“NOVONIX represents a significant investment in a targeted industry with long term opportunity for growth. This also positions our community for additional success in the energy storage sector.” – Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly

“TVA and EPB congratulate NOVONIX on its decision to expand operations in Chattanooga. We are proud to support innovative companies, like NOVONIX, who continue to create job opportunities and investment and are growing the electric vehicle industry in the Valley. We celebrate this announcement along with our partners at Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, city of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.” – John Bradley, TVA senior Vice President of Economic Development

“These 290 new jobs along with a large capital investment will have a positive impact on our local economy. Tennessee’s business friendly environment makes it a great place for growing companies to expand. NOVONIX’s expansion is a big deal, and I congratulate local and state officials and all who helped secure this sizable investment in Hamilton County.” – Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga)

“I’m very excited about the expansion by NOVONIX. Almost 300 new jobs will do wonders for the local economy. My thanks to the local officials and ECD for their aid in making this happen.” – Rep. Yusuf Hakeem (D-Chattanooga)READ MORE

Photo by Robin Rudd, Chattanooga Times Free Press

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Quality of Life

Jun 15, 2021

Travel & Leisure calls Chattanooga “The Ultimate WFH Destination for Remote Workers”

We knew it. You knew it. Now anyone reading Travel & Leisure this month knows it. Chattanooga offers the ideal experience for remote workers, making it the Ultimate WFH Destination. Why?

Read the full article here (disclaimer: article may be subscriber exclusive).

Our Lightning-fast Wi-Fi, thank you EPB
- T&L quotes PCMag
Our Cozy Café Scene
- Whether it’s the rustic, comfortable vibe at Local Coffee at East Ridge, the fun and inviting aesthetic at (be)caffeinated, or the deep, rich colors and patterned walls, chairs, upholstery and floors at Mad Priest Coffee Roasters — Chattanooga’s diverse, welcoming coffee culture cultivates community, work and social spaces (and of course, great coffee). Read more about Chattanooga’s coffee scene here.
Our scenic views and our green, green outside
- All our faves and a great shout-out for the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
Our tourist and local highlights include:

Building the case for Chattanooga’s newly-minted reputation as the remote work capital of America is made easy by our city’s stellar lineup of amenities catering to both sides of the work-life balance equation. That said, it also takes a substantial investment of time – over the past year, the Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership’s Marketing Communications group and partner DCI have been sharing our region’s story far and wide and working to build our brand as “the ultimate WFH destination.” Looks like people are catching on.

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Job Creation

May 13, 2021

Roadtec Announces $6 Million Investment in Chattanooga Operations

Roadtec, a leading manufacturer of asphalt pavers used for the building of roads and highways, is making a major investment into its manufacturing operations. Roadtec, a subsidiary of Astec Industries, Inc., will invest $6 million for improvements and expansion at its Chattanooga plant, creating 128 new jobs in Hamilton County over the next five years.

“This is a great way to start off the month of May, an expansion by one of our legacy companies! We are delighted Roadtec will be adding 128 new employees to its existing workforce of 379 full-time employees,” says Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger. “Roadtec’s $6 million dollar investment will upgrade and improve the Hamilton County plant over the next five years; we wish them continued success.”

“Our vision is about building connections whether it’s to our customers, employees or the communities where we operate. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. We look forward to strengthening that connection and bringing more growth and opportunity to the area,” says Barry Ruffalo, president and CEO of Astec Industries, Inc.

Roadtec’s expansion will update the paint booth, expand air filtering systems, move tooling and fixtures, add warehouse racking to support additional inventory, add additional parking, improve software capacity for security systems and add employees.

“We really appreciate Roadtec’s continued investment in their Chattanooga operations and look forward to seeing the economic impact of this expansion in our area as the demand for their innovative machinery continues to rise,” says Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.

Roadtec began construction on their facilities in February 2021 and will continue making upgrades throughout the five-year project period.

“We are excited to see Roadtec’s continued investment in Chattanooga and Hamilton County,” says Steve Hiatt, Director of Existing Business Development, Chattanooga Chamber. “Keeping legacy companies like Roadtec is a direct result of strong community partnerships between EPB, ECD and TVA.”

Since 2015, the Chattanooga Chamber has assisted with new business locations and expansions totaling over $2.3 billion in investments and over 7,500 jobs.

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May 12, 2021

Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership Honored as Top Economic Development Agency

The field of economic development may have never seen a more challenging year, stepping forward and steering communities through the pandemic as businesses have struggled through 2020.

Despite the turbulence of the past year, Chattanooga’s economic development has thrived, and we were ranked No. 10 for job growth by USA Today, with several partners and companies further investing in our economy.

These accomplishments are largely due to the work and leadership of the Chattanooga Chamber’s Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership (GCEP), and with our community’s support, partnership and encouragement, GCEP was recognized as a 2021 Mac Conway Award Winner.

Site Selection’s Mac Conway Awards for Excellence in Economic Development recognize the top local and regional economic development agencies in the U.S. Honorees were determined by an index that examines 2020 corporate facility investment as tracked by Site Selection’s proprietary Conway Projects database. Scores were awarded based on total projects, total investment associated with those projects and jobs associated with those projects, and given to the nation’s top 20 economic development organizations.

Locations throughout the U.S. and the world compete for direct investment, and this award highlights our community’s ability to land economic development projects, including expansions and locations.

GCEP’s significant projects in 2020 included McKee Foods (consumer products), Sese Industrial (automotive), Gestamp Chattanooga (automotive), Echelon Fitness Multimedia (consumer products), Confluent Medical Technologies (life sciences) and Zeus Industrial (plastics and life sciences).

“We are thrilled to initiate our Industrial Automotive activities in the USA in such a historical location as Chattanooga, Tennessee, serving our valued customer Volkswagen, and more so on their all-new electric vehicle models,” says Alfonso Sesé, President of Grupo Sesé, which recently announced the new presence of Sese Industrial in the Chattanooga region.

By Natalia Pérez

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Advanced Manufacturing

May 07, 2021

Robinson Manufacturing to Expand Rhea County Operations

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Robinson Manufacturing officials announced today that the clothing manufacturing and distribution company will expand its operations, creating 91 new jobs in Rhea County.

Robinson Manufacturing will invest $15 million to increase its manufacturing and distribution capabilities. The company manufactures, decorates, warehouses and distributes apparel for customers around the world. Due to increased demand, it has constructed a new warehouse and distribution space at its existing location at 1140 Broadway St. in Dayton, Tenn.

Robinson Manufacturing has remained family owned and operated since it was founded in 1927. Throughout its history, the company has manufactured apparel for a wide range of distribution, including nearly 90 percent of its production on World War II efforts in the 1940s.

Those interested in applying can go to https://www.robinsonmfg.com/careers to learn more, or apply in person at 798 Market Street in Dayton.

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported 80 economic development projects in Southeast Tennessee, resulting in 10,500 job commitments and $3.2 billion in capital investment.

“I congratulate Robinson Manufacturing on its expansion in Rhea County and am proud to partner with a company that has had roots in Tennessee for nearly 100 years. Job creation in rural communities is crucial to our state’s economic success, and I thank Robinson Manufacturing for creating these 91 new jobs.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Supporting projects in our at-risk and distressed counties is a priority for TNECD, and Robinson Manufacturing’s investment is an indicator of healthy growth in Rhea County. Companies have invested more than $9.5 billion in our rural counties over the last five years, and we are fortunate to add this additional investment in Rhea County. We’re grateful to Rhea Economic Tourism Council, the city of Dayton and Rhea County who helped bring this project to fruition.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

“Robinson Manufacturing Company is proud to be able to expand our operations in Rhea County where it all started in 1927. Our deep roots in the generations of the people of Rhea County is the foundation of our success. We certainly look forward to our future as well as continuing to provide jobs for our great community.” – Patrick Robinson, president, Robinson Mfg. Company

“TVA and City of Dayton Electric Department congratulate Robinson Manufacturing on its decision to expand operations in Dayton. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s continued commitment to job creation and investment in the region. We are proud to partner with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and Rhea Economic and Tourism Council to celebrate this announcement and support Robinson Manufacturing in its continued business success in the Valley.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development

“We could not be more excited for Robinson Manufacturing and Rhea County. These new jobs will make a tremendous difference and will have a very positive spillover effect on our communities. Governor Lee, the General Assembly and our county officials have worked diligently to attract investment and break down barriers to job growth and it is producing results. It is also testament to the great people who make up our local workforce. Thank you to Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe, and our local officials for helping to secure these jobs. It is a pleasure to partner with them to bring new and better paying jobs to this region.” – Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston)

“Robinson Manufacturing is a valued employer in our community, and I congratulate them and their employees on their remarkable success. I am grateful to our local leaders who work hard to promote and advance our existing industries in Rhea County.” – Rep. Ron Travis (R-Dayton)

Author and TNECD Media Contact:
Molly Hair
Public Information Officer
(615) 878-0063
molly.hair@tn.gov

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Advanced Manufacturing

Sep 27, 2020

Cleveland, Tennessee, Lands $114 Million Auto Parts Plant, 197 Jobs

Southeast Tennessee’s growing auto sector has landed a supplier that plans to hire nearly 200 workers and invest $114 million as the first company in Cleveland’s newest industrial park. Cannon Automotive Solutions of Bowling Green, Kentucky, a maker of metal auto parts, expects to have its plant start production next year and fully operating in 2022.

Doug Berry, the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce’s vice president of economic development, said the company is positioning itself to tap into the region’s auto market. “We’re real excited about the investment and jobs,” he said, adding that the pay scale is substantially above wages for the existing manufacturing base. Work already has begun at the plant site at Spring Branch Industrial Park located at Exit 20 off Interstate 75. The company bought a 41-acre tract for its 231,000-square-foot plant. Berry said the site has the potential for 500,000 square feet under roof.

Cannon, a division of Canada-based Electromac Group, is initially investing $58 million and creating 110 jobs. Over the next four years, Cannon plans to invest about $114 million and employ 197 workers within five years of opening the facility.

Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks said the industrial park is “a premiere site location for the next generation of manufacturing. We also agree Cleveland, Tennessee is the best place to be if you are looking for quality people, a low-cost business environment, and a region with an outstanding quality of life and a bright future,” he said.

Bradley Mayor Gary Davis said that the company’s hot stamping plant that will produce components for new autos will set the standard for the industrial park’s future. He cited the foresight of leaders to plan and build the more than 331-acre industrial park, and then the patience to attract the supplier, an effort code-named “Project Hawk” by recruiters. The company could not be reached for comment.

Berry said the project site contained an 18.5-acre graded tract and building pad that cut the company’s construction timeline and which will enable the business to speed its production startup. The company also mentioned the area’s long manufacturing history, the availability of a skilled workforce familiar with making goods, and workforce development programs in high schools and at Cleveland State Community College, he said.

The project received a state grant to offset site development costs, and local government discounted the land price, Berry said. Also, the company has been offered a 10-year property tax incentive. The company will pay 62.5% of usual property tax payments under a proposal that still needs final approval, he said.

Berry said the chamber has been selective in its efforts to fill the industrial park. “The first one is always the hardest one,” he said. The chamber brought the industrial park to the market about the time the labor pool reached full employment. He said the chamber isn’t looking for “a mega-project” that will employ thousands.

The Spring Branch site is only a 15-minute drive north of the Enterprise South industrial park in Chattanooga, which in 2008 attracted a Volkswagen auto assembly plant. That facility, which builds the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs and Passat sedan, employs 3,800 workers. Also, VW is constructing an $800 million plant expansion that will produce a new electric SUV by 2022. With Enterprise South filling up, Hamilton County officials agreed earlier this month to look at acquiring the 2,100-acre McDonald Farm near Rhea County. It would be the county’s biggest land buy for job growth in two decades.

Story by Mike Pare, Chattanooga Times Free Press

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Sep 19, 2019

Georgia Sets Records for Jobs, Employment in August

Georgia posted all-time highs last month in jobs and employment, while the unemployment rate remained at 3.6%, state Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler reported Thursday.

The Peach State added 20,800 jobs in August, pushing the total number of jobs to 4.64 million, up nearly 85,000 compared to August of last year. The number of employed Georgians rose for the third straight month, with a gain of 8,672 bringing the total number of employed in Georgia to 4.93 million.

“There’s been a lot of talk nationally about a slowdown,” Butler said. “I don’t see any evidence of that in Georgia. … Right now, Georgia is looking very strong.”

Georgia’s unemployment rate of 3.6% last month was down from 3.8% a year ago and slightly below the national average for August of 3.7%.

The two sectors that added the most jobs last month were professional/business services, which added 5,300 jobs, and leisure/hospitality, which added 4,000 jobs in August.

Each of four job sectors – education/health services, professional/business services, leisure/hospitality and construction – were up more than 10,000 jobs over August 2018.

In another positive sign for the economy, new claims for unemployment fell last month by 32% compared to July. Unemployment claims in August were down 10% from August of last year.

Article written by Dave Williams – Staff Writer, Atlanta Business Chronicle. Read more here.

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Job Creation

Mar 26, 2019

Ainonline Reports: Wes Star Anchors Down in Chattanooga

Within months of moving into its expansive addition at its facility Chattanooga Airport in Tennessee (CHA), West Star Aviation already has had a full hangar, backlog of work, new authorizations, and long-range plans for even more growth.

West Star opened that expansion late last fall, adding a newly built hangar, paint facilities, and initial backshop and administrative space spanning more than 110,000 sq ft, bringing its total footprint at CHA to more than 175,000 sq ft.

Plans for that addition began shortly after West Star moved into Chattanooga. The company laid out a vision to build the site into another major center that could provide an anchor in the Eastern U.S.

Read the rest of the story here.

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Author: gcep

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