LED lighting manufacturer and distributor to create 50 jobs in Johnson County
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Green Applications, LLC (d/b/a Star LED) today announced that the LED lighting manufacturer, distributor and wholesaler plans to establish operations in Mountain City.
Star LED will invest approximately $1 million and create 50 jobs in Johnson County over the next five years.
“I’d like to thank Star LED for its decision to invest in Mountain City,” Rolfe said. “In Tennessee, we’ve established a business-friendly environment that encourages companies to put capital at risk and create jobs for our residents. The creation of 50 new jobs will have a considerable impact on Johnson County’s economy and put more income in the pockets of Tennesseans.”
Star LED specializes in LED lighting products for commercial, residential, marine and automotive applications.
“Our organization and brand is primed for growth and market penetration. A facility in Mountain City, Tennessee furthers Star LED’s strategy for expansion in the United States while supporting our strategic partners efficiently,” Star LED CEO Charlie Blanco said. “Our presence here in Mountain City will enable Star LED to be ever more responsive to our partners’ and clients’ immediate needs by providing superior grade LED lights for any application and unparalleled service throughout our clients’ experience with us.”
Star LED plans to renovate and occupy a 55,500-square foot facility in the Johnson County Industrial Park. The company will manufacture and distribute LED lighting products from the facility, which is expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2018.
“By having the ability to assemble our product in the U.S., allows us to ensure that product quality is second to none against all of our competitors,” Star LED Chairman Garry Garoni. “Manufacturing that is re-shored allows for better employment rates and better global economies. People feel patriotic when they support the U.S economy and create jobs for American workers, which is important to Star LED. People also want to know that the product is safe and the quality is superior in the market place, which is something we can guarantee and control with our facility.”
“It is a very exciting time when new jobs are coming into a rural county like ours,” Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter said. “Star LED has already been very involved in our community and in our local economy. We look forward to a long-term relationship with this terrific company.”
For more information on Star LED, visit www.starled.green.
Mountain City and Johnson County are represented by Sen. Jon Lundberg (R – Bristol) and Rep. Timothy Hill (R – Blountville) in the Tennessee General Assembly.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community DevelopmentThe 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 Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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