Valmont Industries is continuing its growth in Jasper, Tennessee, with a new expansion that will bring additional investment and jobs to Marion County.

The company will invest $45 million and create 84 new jobs while increasing production of engineered steel transmission, distribution and substation structures used by the utility industry. The expansion comes as utilities build infrastructure to support growing power needs.

The expansion will increase production of engineered steel transmission, distribution and substation structures used by the utility industry as demand grows for infrastructure to support increasing power needs.

The new investment builds on Valmont’s continued growth in Marion County. In 2024, the company announced plans to invest more than $6 million and create 80 new jobs at its Jasper operation. Valmont reached that job-creation goal nearly three years ahead of schedule, paving the way for this latest expansion.

“Valmont is a big asset for Marion County,” said Marion County Mayor David Jackson. “We were very excited to learn that Valmont officials selected the Jasper plant for their expansion, which will bring more good-paying jobs and gives our citizens an opportunity to work at home instead of having to travel out of the county. We look forward to continued growth at Valmont, and we are proud they call Marion County home.”

Investing in Marion County’s Workforce

Valmont’s investment in Jasper extends beyond the facility itself.

In 2019, the company became the first manufacturing facility in Tennessee to establish a welding pre-apprenticeship program at local high schools. Since then, more than 80 students have completed the program, with an average of 65 to 70 percent of graduates being hired for full-time employment at the Jasper facility.

“Expanding in Jasper allows us to build on the strength of our team and their track record of performance. We’re proud of the investments we’ve made to develop the skilled workforce that makes this growth possible through our pre-apprenticeship program,” said Chris Colwell, president, infrastructure, Valmont Industries. “This expansion will help us meet our customers’ growing needs for utility infrastructure to support a stronger grid while contributing to economic growth in the region.”

Valmont’s continued investment also highlights the connection between advanced manufacturing, workforce development and opportunities for people to build careers close to home.

“Valmont’s continued growth and investment in Jasper reflect the strength of Marion County’s workforce and will bring 84 new jobs to our community,” said Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga). “I especially appreciate the company’s work with local high schools to help students gain valuable skills and build careers close to home.”

Continued Growth in Rural Tennessee

The expansion was announced Oct. 23 by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Valmont Industries officials.

“All of Tennessee succeeds when rural Tennessee succeeds, and I’m proud to celebrate not just today’s announcement but also in the success Valmont has experienced in our state the past few years,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “We’re proud of our efforts to make Tennessee the best place to live, work and raise a family, and we’re glad this company’s leadership recognized that.”

For Marion County and the Greater Chattanooga region, Valmont’s latest expansion represents continued investment in an existing manufacturer, new employment opportunities and a growing pipeline connecting local students with manufacturing careers.