Industrial and manufacturing technology leader to invest $20.7 million, create 90 new jobs
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe, along with ABB and Thomas & Betts officials, announced today the company will expand its operations and consolidate its R&D functions to a new location in Memphis. The global industrial technology leader will invest $20.7 million and create 90 new jobs in Shelby County.
“I want to thank ABB and Thomas & Betts for expanding in Memphis and for creating 90 new jobs in Shelby County,” Rolfe said. “The manufacturing sector in Tennessee has gained over 46,000 jobs since 2011. I appreciate Thomas & Betts for continuing the momentum of the manufacturing sector for our state, and I look forward to our continued partnership.”
Thomas & Betts, a member of the ABB Group, is a global leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of essential components used to manage the connection, distribution, transmission and reliability of electrical power in utility, industrial, commercial and residential applications.
With a portfolio of more than 200,000 products marketed under more than 45 premium product brands, Thomas & Betts products are found wherever electricity is used.
“Memphis and Thomas & Betts have been partners for over a quarter century,” said Franklin Sullivan, lead division manager, United States, ABB Electrification Products Division. “We have found it to be a perfect place to do business, with a hard-working, highly educated workforce. We’re pleased to be beginning a new chapter in our history here.”
“Thomas & Betts adding 90 jobs to our community’s corporate landscape is significant. Thomas & Betts will have a signature presence in the east Memphis area. We so appreciate their investment to Memphis and Shelby County,” Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. said.
“By choosing the city of Memphis as the place it believes it can best grow, Thomas & Betts is adding to the momentum we’re experiencing of late,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said. “With strong amenities and a great quality of life, Memphis is a great city for companies looking for a promising future.”
“This decision by Thomas & Betts to stay and grow in Memphis is another example of a headquarters choosing to invest in our city due to Memphis being a great place to live, work and play. The Chamber continues to work every day on projects like these that bring more good jobs and investment to our community,” Phil Trenary, president & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, said.
All information on this project is contingent on PILOT approval.
Memphis and Shelby County are represented by Sen. Mark Norris (R – Collierville), Sen. Brian Kelsey (R – Germantown), Sen. Reginald Tate (D – Memphis), Sen. Lee Harris (D – Memphis), Sen. Sara Kyle (D – Memphis), Rep. Jim Coley (R – Bartlett), Rep. Ron Lollar (R – Bartlett), Rep. Kevin Vaughan (R – Eads), Rep. Mark White (R – Memphis), Rep. Raumesh Akbari (D – Memphis), Rep. Karen Camper (D – Memphis), Rep. Barbara Cooper (D – Memphis), Rep. John DeBerry (D – Memphis), Rep. G.A. Hardaway (D – Memphis), Rep. Larry Miller (D – Memphis), Rep. Antonio Parkinson (D – Memphis), Rep. Joe Towns (D – Memphis), Rep. Johnnie Turner (D – Memphis) and Rep. Dwayne Thompson (D – Cordova) in the Tennessee General Assembly.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
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. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the first three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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