Family-owned business set to purchase previous Footwear Industries of Tennessee building
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Steel Warehouse officials announced today the company’s plans to expand in Jefferson City, locating in and retrofitting the former Footwear Industries of Tennessee building.
The project plans to create more than 70 new jobs with an investment of nearly $20 million in innovative equipment, which will support their strategic partners in the construction equipment, agriculture, lawn and garden, and truck and trailer industries, in addition to helping attract additional investment in the area.
Steel Warehouse, a leading steel service center, has been operating since 1947, when founder Nathan Lerman opened production in South Bend, Indiana. Since its founding, the company has expanded to 15 locations across the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Distributing over two million tons of coil, sheet and plate annually in hot- and cold-rolled materials, Steel Warehouse caters to a diverse range of industries including aerospace, agriculture, automotive, construction, energy and transportation.
Steel Warehouse invests in its employees, offering focused job training, up-skilling and opportunities for advancement. This expansion will give Steel Warehouse its third location in the Volunteer State, in addition to its existing operations in Chattanooga and Memphis.
Since 2020, TNECD has supported more than 50 economic development projects in the East Tennessee region, resulting in nearly 10,000 job commitments and approximately $3 billion in capital investments.
QUOTES
“I thank Steel Warehouse for its investment in Tennessee and am excited to see the number of skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen that will benefit from the company’s expansion in Jefferson City. I look forward to seeing the prosperity that follows today’s announcement and am ready to support Steel Warehouse in further developing the dedicated workforce across this region.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Steel is a key component for so many manufacturers, making Tennessee the perfect central location for Steel Warehouse. Not only are they expanding in our state, but they are also renovating a classic building that will once again generate new jobs and investment in the community. I can’t wait to see how impactful this project will continue to be in the next decade.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“We are incredibly grateful to the Jefferson City community and our strategic partners for their unwavering support as we embark on this exciting expansion. This investment reflects our commitment to innovation and growth, and we are eager to contribute to the economic development of this region. Together, we look forward to creating new opportunities and advancing the capabilities of the industries we serve.” – Ted Lerman, CEO, Steel Warehouse
“We are looking forward to opening this location in Jefferson City, TN. To be able to come into a community with such a great workforce and incredible vocational resources is a true blessing for us. We are excited to bring high-end industrial jobs into the area while partnering with local resources like TCAT and Jefferson County HS CTE to support JLG and many other key customers in Jefferson County and surrounding areas. Steel Warehouse has a 76-year legacy of long-term investment in people, facilities, and communities. We look forward to doing the same thing in Jefferson City for years to come.” – Matt Black, Southern Region VP & GM, Steel Warehouse
“Jefferson Alliance is extremely excited to welcome Steel Warehouse into our Jefferson City family. It has been a pleasure getting to know the Steel Warehouse team. Jefferson Alliance is looking forward to helping Steel Warehouse grow and prosper in Jefferson City. We are thankful for the Steel Warehouse investment and creation of jobs for the citizens of Jefferson County.” – Joe Gibson, Economic Development Director, Jefferson County Alliance
“I am pleased to help announce that Steel Warehouse will be expanding their successful operations in Tennessee to Jefferson County. The company will bring more jobs and investment to our area, and I wish them success as they move forward.” – Sen. Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains)
“Steel Warehouse will be an excellent addition to Jefferson City’s thriving business community. The company’s new location will provide 70 new jobs for hard-working Tennesseans and be a major boost to our region’s economy. Tennessee’s business-friendly environment continues to attract quality companies, and I’m proud to welcome Steel Warehouse to Jefferson County.” – Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby)
About Steel Warehouse
Steel Warehouse is a family-owned premier steel processor & service center with distribution, shipping, and processing capabilities providing slit coil, sheet, plate, and cold-rolling. They specialize in surface, dimension, grade, and flatness across 15 locations worldwide. They have built a strong reputation for integrity and customer service over 75 years in business.
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.
Steel Warehouse Media Contact
Natalie Liskey
Director of Marketing
(574) 360-5036
[email protected]
TNECD Media Contact
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
[email protected]
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