NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with Lifetime Products, Inc. officials announced today the company will locate new manufacturing and distribution operations in Knox County. The leader in blow-molded plastic products will invest $115 million and create 500 jobs.
“We want to thank Lifetime Products for choosing to invest in Tennessee and for creating 500 jobs in Knox County,” Haslam said. “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 Products is the leading manufacturer of blow-molded plastics products. Its products range 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.
“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,” Boyd said. “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.”
“We spent over a year researching different locations on the East Coast. After meeting with local state and economic groups, Tennessee was obviously the best option,” Richard Hendrickson, president and CEO Lifetime Products, Inc. said. “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’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.
“We are excited to welcome Lifetime to Knox County. It’s always great to announce a new business is moving to our community, but especially when it comes with such a significant investment,” Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said. “Along with investing millions in the Eastbridge Business Park, Lifetime will create hundreds of new jobs in our area. I wish the company continued success, and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our community.”
“I’m extremely grateful that Lifetime has chosen to locate its new manufacturing facility in Knox County,” President and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber Mike Edwards said. “As a Chamber we strive to make Knox County as strong as possible which positions our community to win significant economic development projects such as this. Thank you, Lifetime!”
“TVA and Knoxville Utilities Board congratulate and welcome Lifetime Products on its decision to locate its newest manufacturing facility in Tennessee,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “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.”
Those interested in applying for a position with Lifetime Products can visit lifetime.com.
Knoxville and Knox County are represented by Sen. Becky Massey (R – Knoxville), Sen. Randy McNally (R – Oak Ridge), Sen. Richard Briggs (R – Knoxville), Rep. Harry Brooks (R – Knoxville), Rep. Bill Dunn (R – Knoxville), Rep. Martin Daniel (R – Knoxville), Rep. Roger Kane (R – Knoxville), Rep. Eddie Smith (R – Knoxville), Rep. Jason Zachary (R – Knoxville) and Rep. Joe Armstrong (D – Knoxville) in the Tennessee General Assembly.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named 2014 and 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: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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