Global confectioner to expand its manufacturing plant and distribution center in Covington, Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Charms LLC officials announced today the company will expand operations at its Covington location.
As part of the expansion, Charms will invest $97.7 million and create 62 new jobs to expand its manufacturing plant and distribution center.
Charms, established in 1912, is the manufacturer of Blow Pops™ and has been manufacturing candy in Covington since 1973. The company was acquired by Tootsie Roll Industries in 1988. Upon completion of the project, Charms will employ nearly 500 people in Tipton County.
Since 2020, TNECD has supported 58 economic development projects in the Greater Memphis Region, resulting in nearly 7,500 job commitments and approximately $1.6 billion in capital investments.
QUOTES
“Our state is defined by well-known brands like Charms that call Tennessee home, and I am grateful to take part in announcing another expansion for Charms and Tootsie Roll Industries. These new jobs will greatly impact the Tennesseans across Tipton County for years to come.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Charms and Tootsie Roll Industries have been valued partners to our state for more than 50 years, and today’s announcement is a testament to the diligent local leaders for bringing this expansion to fruition. It’s an honor to announce Tipton County’s first project since 2019, and we look forward to seeing the success that follows today’s announcement.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“We are very excited about the opportunity to grow our presence in the town of Covington. We are extremely proud to be a part of this community and are looking forward to future growth together. This plant addition will enable us to expand our manufacturing operations and help us to better serve our customers.” – Charms Plant Manager HT Davis
“I am so pleased that Charms has decided to expand their historic facility here in Covington. For over 50 years this iconic company has been a part of the fabric of Tipton County, and the fact that they continue to thrive and grow after all these years is a testament to the quality of the company and our community.” – Tipton County Mayor Jeff Huffman
“Charms has been a proud part of Covington since 1973, and their continued growth reflects their deep-rooted commitment to our city. This expansion will not only create new job opportunities but also bring significant economic benefits to our region. We are honored to have Charms as a longstanding partner and are dedicated to supporting their success as they take this next step.” – Covington Mayor Jan Hensley
“TVA and Covington Electric System congratulate Charms on its decision to expand operations in Tipton County. 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 Tipton County Community Development and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support companies like Charms and look forward to its continued business success in the Valley.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development
“Charms, the original manufacturer of Blow Pops™, has shown great dedication to Tipton County and Tennessee. I am happy to say that in coordination with TNECD, Charms will be investing over $97 million to expand its plant and distribution center. Thank you to all the local officials and ECD for making this possible.” – Sen. Paul Rose (R-Covington)
“Charms is a beloved business, and I am proud that they have called our community home for so many years. This significant expansion will provide dozens of new jobs to Tipton County residents and further enhance our local economy. I congratulate the current employees on their success, and I thank the company for continuing to invest in Tennessee.” – Rep. Debra Moody (R-Covington)
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
TNECD Media Contact
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
[email protected]
###
