Premium Suspension Products Manufacturer to Invest $1.5 Million, Forecasts 200 New Jobs
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Rough Country Suspension Systems officials announced today the company will relocate its distribution operations to a 250,000 square foot facility in Newbern. Headquartered in Dyersburg, the expansion will allow Rough Country to more than double the size of its workforce as well as its Dyer County footprint. With a goal of being fully operational by late August, Rough Country’s plans include investment of $1.5 million and the creation of up to 200 new jobs over the next five years.
“I want to congratulate Rough Country on this expansion in Dyer County and thank the company for the new jobs that will be created for Tennesseans,” Haslam said. “We leverage our state’s assets to create an environment that allows companies to grow and expand, and today’s announcement supports our goal to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
Rough Country designs, produces, markets and distributes premium suspension products for trucks, Jeeps and SUVs. All distribution operations, including international, will be managed out of the Newbern facility.
“Our state’s superior transportation and logistics infrastructure make it possible for companies to distribute quality Tennessee-made products to locations throughout the world,” Hagerty said. “Tennessee’s export shipments totaled more than $30 billion last year, and we credit companies like Rough Country for thinking beyond the borders of our state. I appreciate Rough Country’s continued investment and the new jobs that will be created in Dyer County.”
Founded in 1988, Rough Country has significantly expanded its product offering and customer base over the last five years requiring additional production and warehouse space to meet its service expectations. The Newbern facility will house Rough Country’s primary packaging and assembly operation as well as its primary distribution point for finished goods inventory. From this location, Rough Country will support other warehouse operations including its industry-leading same day shipping offering.
“We are thrilled with the team that has been assembled here in Dyer County, and excited by the opportunities we see for Rough Country and our market going forward,” Rough Country CEO Ken Dunn said. “We’ve been blessed to add jobs each year at Rough Country and the expansion in Newbern is a reflection of our confidence in the local workforce and our commitment to the area.”
“We are so fortunate Rough Country Suspension Systems has chosen Newbern as the area to expand its business. Rough Country has a long history of manufacturing and distributing the finest products for the automotive and off-road industries,” Newbern Mayor Olen Parker said. “When it comes to off-road drivers, there is one name that is superior and that name is Rough Country Suspension Systems. Not only do they bring superior products, they bring an exceptional workforce to our community. This type of industrial growth is only achieved when local, regional and state organizations get behind a company and support them in their efforts. Rough Country believes in its products, and the city of Newbern will do everything possible to ensure Rough Country continues to succeed. We are proud to welcome Rough Country to our community and family of industries.”
“TVA congratulates Rough Country Suspension Systems on their expansion which brings new jobs in the Newbern area,” John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development, said. “TVA and Newbern Electric Water & Gas are glad to be economic development partners with the state of Tennessee, Dyer County, and other community leaders to help existing companies grow.”’
Facility investments will include new equipment related to packaging and assembly lines. With additional growth, the continued investments in automated processes and quality improvements are included in Rough Country’s forecast.
To learn more about Rough Country, visit www.roughcountry.com. Current available positions can be found at http://roughcountry.applicantstack.com/x/openings.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named “2013 State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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