- Company will create more than 160 new jobs in Hawkins County.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Barrette Outdoor Living officials announced today that the company will expand operations in Hawkins County.
Barrette Outdoor Living is a leading manufacturer of fencing, railing and exterior products. The company will invest $33 million and create 162 new jobs in Bulls Gap, where it has operated since 2001.
With a workforce of more than 700 employees, Barrette Outdoor Living is one of Hawkins County’s largest employers. Barrette will add 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space, including four new extruders, co-extruders and cooling tanks as well as additional fabrication and packaging equipment.
Barrette was founded nearly 100 years ago in Canada and employs approximately 2,000 people today across North America. As the leading North American supplier of exterior home products to the residential market, Barrette Outdoor Living manufactures and distributes vinyl, aluminum, steel and composite fencing and railing, composite decking and other outdoor products.
Over the last five years, TNECD has supported more than 40 economic development projects in Northeast Tennessee, resulting in 4,700 job commitments and $1 billion in capital investment.
QUOTES
“Job creation in rural Tennessee is crucial to our state’s economic success, and I thank Barrette Outdoor Living for its investment in Hawkins County. Northeast Tennessee continues to provide companies with the ideal, business-friendly environment to support growth and success.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“As one of the top five employers in Hawkins County, Barrette Outdoor Living has established itself as a valuable corporate partner in the Northeast region of our state. These 160 new, family-wage jobs will make a tremendous impact on the area’s workforce, and we appreciate Barrette Outdoor Living for its continued investment and job creation in Tennessee.”– TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“The State of Tennessee along with Hawkins County, Bulls Gap and TVA have been excellent partners in our growth and we appreciate their continued support in the ongoing expansion of our business.” – Gary Williams, vice president of Operations, Barrette Outdoor Living
“Barrette came to Bulls Gap about 20 years ago and it has been growing steadily over the years. Today’s news of such a large investment and another 162 jobs is welcomed by our county and certainly by our citizens, especially the ones who will fill those positions. I’d like to thank our partners and TNECD, TVA, and NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership for their work with the Hawkins County IDB in assisting the company so that this could happen.” – Hawkins County Mayor Jim Lee
“Barrette has been an outstanding corporate citizen in Hawkins County since purchasing the Erwin Industries facility in 2002 and they have continued to grow their operations since converting to vinyl fence production the very next year. This large investment and additional 162 quality jobs announcement is just further proof of the pro-business environment in Northeast Tennessee that we and our partners at NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership tout as “Where Tennessee Begins Its Business Day!” We couldn’t be happier with the news and extend our deepest thanks for their continued growth here.” – Hawkins County IDB Chairman Larry Elkins
“TVA and Holston Electric Cooperative congratulate Barrette Outdoor Living on its decision to expand operations and create quality job opportunities in Hawkins County. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s commitment to continued growth in the Valley. We are proud to partner with Hawkins County Industrial Board and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support companies like Barrette and celebrate this announcement.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“I am very pleased to see these 162 jobs coming to Hawkins County. This is a sizable investment, which will strengthen our community. I congratulate Barrette Outdoor Living on their decision to expand in Bulls Gap and all our state and local officials who helped secure these jobs. We will continue to make job creation a top priority.” – Sen. Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains)
“This is exciting news for Hawkins County. Barrette Outdoor Living’s expansion is a continued investment in our resources and skilled workforce. I congratulate the company’s leaders and our state and local partners for working to create more jobs for our residents, and I look forward to seeing their continued success.” – Rep. Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville)
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 and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
TNECD Media Contact
Molly Hair
Public Information Officer
(615) 878-0063
[email protected]
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