- Steel processor and distributor to invest $18.8 million, create 72 jobs
- 100,000-square-foot plant expected to open in first quarter of 2020
- Company chose Tennessee because of proximity to local OEMs
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced today that McNeilus Steel, Inc. will establish a new manufacturing facility in Morristown, where the steel processor will create 72 jobs over the next five years.
McNeilus Steel will invest $18.8 million to build a 100,000-square-foot facility in the East Tennessee Progress Center. The company expects the facility will be operational in the first quarter of 2020. At the Morristown plant, McNeilus Steel will fabricate metal parts for local OEMs in the Southeast.
Headquartered in Dodge Center, Minn., McNeilus Steel is family owned and operated. The company supplies steel products and offers metal fabrication services to customers. It employs approximately 700 people in the U.S. and also has locations in Fargo, N.D. and Fond du Lac, Wis.
Since 2015, TNECD has supported nine economic development projects in Morristown. These projects represent approximately 1,750 job commitments and nearly $170 million in private capital investment.
QUOTES
“McNeilus Steel’s decision to invest in Tennessee and create high-skill jobs reinforces our thriving business environment and growing skilled workforce. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this company will have on the residents of East Tennessee.” –Gov. Bill Lee
“McNeilus Steel’s investment in Morristown underscores the ripple effect of TNECD’s efforts to recruit new industry. McNeilus Steel will supply Oshkosh Corporation, a manufacturer we welcomed to Jefferson County a year ago. The growth of this type of manufacturing ecosystem is very promising for East Tennessee. Morristown has strong momentum, and with the presence of companies like McNeilus Steel, I’m confident local residents will continue to have quality job opportunities.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“McNeilus Steel is very excited to expand our services to Morristown, Tennessee. Geographically this is an optimal location to continue to grow our family business. We look forward to getting this facility operationalized and adding quality employees from the region.” – Glenn Sylvester, COO, McNeilus Steel, Inc.
“It’s always a great day for Morristown when an announcement is made that means more regional job opportunities. We’re very enthusiastic about McNeilus Steel making the decision to locate its new plant here. All who were involved in making East Tennessee Progress Center a desirable industrial location are pleased to see this investment and growth in the diversity of products manufactured in Morristown. The City of Morristown looks forward to helping McNeilus become a welcome member of our industrial community.” – Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney
“This announcement is more exciting news for our entire region. The jobs and investment by McNeilus Steel benefits all of the community and residents of Hamblen County. I am excited about McNeilus’s future in Hamblen County and appreciate its commitment to our community.” – Hamblen County Mayor Bill Brittain
“Jefferson County celebrates with Morristown City and Hamblen County as ground is broken for a new industry in our region. We are excited to have been a part of this process by attracting Oshkosh to Jefferson City which has proven to be a positive economic impact not only for Jefferson County, but also our area as other industries locate here to supply Oshkosh. We look forward to partnering together as we seek to enhance our region.” – Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts
“TVA and Morristown Utility Systems congratulate McNeilus Steel on its decision to locate operations in Morristown, Tennessee. Helping to foster new job opportunities in the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we are proud to partner with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce to help further that mission.” John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development
“These jobs will be a tremendous boost to our local economy. I thank our local officials, Gov. Lee, and Commissioner Rolfe for helping to secure this large investment and I am very thankful to partner with them in bringing new jobs to our area.” – Sen. Steve Southerland (R – Morristown)
“I appreciate Gov. Lee, TNECD and McNeilus Steel for investing in our community. This announcement will have an incredible impact on House District 10. Congratulations to our local leaders on their work securing McNeilus Steel. This addition will create dozens of high-quality jobs across our region in the years ahead.” – Rep. Rick Eldridge (R – Morristown)
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.
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