NASHVILLE—Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with KHS America officials today announced the musical instrument manufacturer and distributor will expand its current operations in Wilson County. Due to the company’s success and increase in market share, KHS America will invest $3.7 million to add onto its location at 12020 Eastgate Blvd. in Mt. Juliet and create 67 new jobs.
“It’s always exciting to see our existing businesses expand and find continued success in Tennessee,” Boyd said. “A decision to stay and expand sends a strong message about the strength of our communities, our quality of life and exceptional workforce. I want to thank KHS America for this investment and the valuable new jobs they’re creating.”
KHS America manufactures and distributes some of the most sought after musical instruments for everyone from middle school bands to professional musicians. Those brands include: JUPITER Wind Instruments; MAPEX Drums; MAJESTIC Concert Percussion; ALTUS and AZUMI flutes; XO Professional Brass; and HERCULES Stands.
KHS America recently acquired Hohner, Inc. from Matth. Hohner GmbH in Trossingen, Germany. Hohner, Inc., currently located in Glen Allen, VA is the North American provider of Hohner branded Harmonicas, Accordions, Melodicas, Guitars and Bluegrass instruments; SONOR Drums and Orff instruments, Lanikai and Kohala ukuleles. H JIMENEZ Guitars, Hohner Airboard, as well as HOHNER Kids and GREENTONES children’s instruments. Transfer of ownership took place on January 9, 2015.
“We’re very excited about the opportunities this acquisition creates for KHS America and HOHNER brands as well as Mt. Juliet and the greater Nashville music community,” Tabor Stamper, President of KHS America, said. “Both the collections of brands and the teams that manage them complement each other in almost every way. As legacy brands, HOHNER and SONOR have long been recognized as leaders in innovation and quality, and as the gold standards of sound. By integrating these iconic HOHNER brands with KHS America brands such as JUPITER Wind Instruments and MAPEX Drums, the new KHS America will be positioned to provide a portfolio of musical instrument brands and accessories that is second to none. The combined strengths of these two Companies will only add to Nashville’s reputation as The Music City.”
KHS America is expanding its Mt. Juliet workforce by about 75 percent. To accommodate the new positions, the company is adding 5,000 square feet of office space and completely renovating their warehouse and distribution center. Renovations are expected to be complete by mid to late summer 2015.
The company located its headquarters and warehousing operations in Mt. Juliet in 2010 in a state-of-the-art 100,000 square foot facility, with space for continued growth. The company currently employs 52 people and plans to add 67 more over the next four years, primarily in its sales, marketing and customer relations departments.
“I not only want to congratulate KHS for their expansion but also want to thank them again for being such a major contributor to the county’s music and education community,” G. C. Hixson, Executive Director of the JECDB of Wilson County said. “When they arrived they indicated a desire to contribute to the community and they have exceeded everyone’s expectations.”
“TVA and Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation congratulate KHS America on its plans to invest and create new jobs in Wilson County,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “We are pleased to partner with the State of Tennessee, the Joint Economic and Community Development Board of Wilson County, City of Mt. Juliet and Wilson County officials to help existing employers like KHS continue to grow.”
KHS America is a subsidiary of KHS Musical Instruments Co., based in Taiwan. KHS stands for Kong Hseu Sheh in Chinese, which means “contribute to schools and society.”
In 2010, KHS America donated 24 instruments valued at $23,500 to the Nashville Symphony to replace those lost in the flooding that devastated Middle Tennessee. Those instruments are used for the symphony’s Instrument Petting Zoo for children. The Company believes in the value of music education and is recognized across the country for its ongoing support and advocacy for music in our schools.
There are several Nashville artists who play Hohner instruments, including Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy (harmonica), Jim Hoke (harmonica) and Heidi Newfield of Trick Pony (harmonica).
KHS America is currently accepting applications. Interested candidates should contact KHS America’s Human Resources Manager, Susan Beasley, at 615-773-9914 or at [email protected].
Mt. Juliet and Wilson County are represented by Rep. Susan Lynn (R – Mt. Juliet), Rep. Mark Pody (R – Lebanon) and Sen. Mae Beavers (R – Mt. Juliet).
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named 2014 and 2013 “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. 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.
###
