- Distilling company will invest $20 million in Blount County.
- Project will create 60 new jobs over the next five years.
- Distillery locations will include multi-use facility for all ages.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Company Distilling officials announced today that the company will establish new operations in Blount County.
The distilling company will create 60 new jobs and invest $20.2 million to establish two multi-use facilities in Townsend and Alcoa for bourbon-whiskey manufacturing, tasting rooms and outdoor activities.
The Townsend location is set to open this year and will include a 4,000-square-foot tasting room and outdoor space for activities with access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The second location is set to open in 2022 in Springbrook Farm, a master planned “city center” in Alcoa. It will serve as the primary distillery and location for the spirit’s main manufacturing. The 20,000-square-foot refurbished building will include a tasting room and retail store along with family-friendly outdoor activities and entertainment on the property’s 31 acres.
Company Distilling is a new distilling company built from the collaborative efforts of multiple people with a history of building distilleries, crafting spirits and bringing people together. The partners include former Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett, Kris Tatum, former president of the Tennessee Distillers Guild, Heath Clark, founder of H. Clark Distillery, Clayton Homes CEO Kevin Clayton and Corey Clayton, project manager for Vee Hollow Bike Trails.
Over the last five years, TNECD has supported more than 65 economic development projects in East Tennessee, resulting in approximately 8,700 job commitments and $2.5 billion in capital investment.
QUOTES
“Congratulations to Blount County and all parties involved in this new venture. Both locations will showcase some of many reasons that the Great Smoky Mountains is a top place for people from all over the world to visit. Company Distilling’s investment in Blount County is further proof that East Tennessee is a top location to do business.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“We’re proud to welcome Company Distilling to Tennessee and thank the company for its $20 million investment in Blount County. Company Distilling’s leadership team has a vast knowledge of the industry as well as the business landscape of the state, and I know the company will find great success in East Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“It’s this collaboration between friends seeking to produce a spirit worth gathering over that sparked the Company Distilling name. Not only will the whiskey be best when enjoyed among good company, but the distillery’s property provides ample opportunities for gathering and outdoor fun.” – Company Distilling President Kris Tatum
“I wholeheartedly welcome Company Distilling, Jeff Arnett and his team to Blount County. Having a distillery and operations located in Alcoa and Townsend offers outstanding options for our residents and visitors. A thank you also goes to Gov. Bill Lee, TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe and our county and city commissioners for tirelessly working together to bring these types of enterprises to our area.” – Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell
“The city of Alcoa is thrilled to be selected as the headquarters for Company Distilling. Our city commissioners wish to thank Gov. Lee’s office, along with TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe for their tremendous assistance in putting together this project. We are ecstatic to bring this enterprise to the area, knowing how beneficial it will be to all Blount County visitors.” – Alcoa Mayor Clint Abbott
“The distilling industry is one that integrates the agriculture, tourism and hospitality industries while benefitting the communities where they are located. For Blount County to have a group of proven industry and business leaders bring a project of this magnitude here is something that will pay dividends for generations to come. I commend Gov. Lee and the state of Tennessee for their readiness to back ventures like this on behalf of the Blount County Economic Development Board, I’m happy to welcome the Company Distilling and their leadership to Blount County and East Tennessee.” – Matt Murray, chairman of the Blount County Economic Development Board
“TVA and Alcoa Electric Department congratulate Company Distilling on its decision to establish operations Alcoa. Helping to attract and retain job opportunities for the people of the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service, and we are proud to partner with City of Alcoa, the Blount Partnership and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“I am very pleased that these jobs are coming to Blount County. We are excited about Company Distilling’s decision to locate their operations here and wish them every success as they move forward. I congratulate all our state and local officials who helped secure these jobs and this sizable investment. We will continue to make job creation a top priority.” – Sen. Art Swann (R-Maryville)
“I’m proud to welcome Company Distilling to Blount County. Their commitment speaks to our favorable business climate, exceptional quality of life and our talented workforce. I thank Company Distilling for their investment, and I wish them success in our community for many years to come.” – Rep. Jerome Moon (R-Maryville)
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
Company Distilling Media Contact
Kelly Fletcher
(865) 806-0996
[email protected]
TNECD Media Contact
Molly Hair
Public Information Officer
(615) 878-0063
[email protected]
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