NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Sam Dong officials announced today that the company will create 22 new jobs and invest $13.5 million in Rogersville, Tennessee, to expand its production capacity of enamel and Continuously Transposed Conductors (CTC) lines at the Hawkins County facility.
Sam Dong is a world-leading manufacturer of high-quality winding wires used in transformers and utility-scale grid applications, including CTC, enameled, paper-insulated and bare rectangular copper wire. The company holds a majority market share in North America for transformer-related winding wire products and is widely recognized by transformer manufacturers, utilities and consultants for its advanced technology and high-quality products.
Founded in 1977, Sam Dong is headquartered in Eumseong-gun, South Korea. The company established operations in Tennessee in 2007, and, following the completion of today’s announcement, will employ nearly 175 across Rogersville.
Since Gov. Lee took office, South Korea has emerged as the state’s top partner for foreign direct investment in terms of job creation and capital investment. Since 2019, South Korean companies have committed to create nearly 5,000 new jobs and invest more than $11 billion in private capital statewide.
QUOTES
“When a company like Sam Dong chooses to invest in our rural communities and employ nearly 175 Tennesseans, it sends a clear message: Tennessee has the business climate, skilled workforce and quality of life companies need to succeed. We’re proud to welcome this investment, and I look forward to seeing Sam Dong grow and succeed in the Volunteer State for many years to come.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“International relationships are critical to our success, and the global brands already doing business in Tennessee are among our greatest assets in driving new investment and innovation across the state. I’m grateful to Sam Dong for being the latest South Korean company to reinvest in Tennessee, bringing new jobs and technology that further strengthen our state’s role in advancing U.S. energy independence.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“As the electrical grid across North America undergoes a critical period of modernization and expansion, the demand for high-performance materials has never been more urgent. At Sam Dong, we are proud to expand our production capacity for Continuously Transposed Conductor (CTC) magnet wire to help meet this need. This expansion reflects our long-term commitment to our customers, our employees and the communities where we operate. We remain focused on delivering the precision, consistency and technical excellence that the industry depends on, and we look forward to supporting the critical infrastructure that powers homes, businesses, and industries for decades to come.” – Randy Kaiser, COO, Sam Dong America
“This $13.5 million investment is great news for Rogersville and Hawkins County, creating 22 new jobs while strengthening an important local employer. Growing to nearly 175 employees is especially significant for a rural community, and I’m grateful for the company’s continued commitment to investing in our workforce and creating opportunities for families right here at home.” – Sen. Bobby Harshbarger (R-Kingsport)
“Tennessee’s skilled workforce, career development programs and common-sense policies make our state a great place to invest and grow. Sam Dong has been an important part of our local economy for years, and I’m excited that the company has decided to expand its footprint in Rogersville. I congratulate the employees on their incredible success and look forward to the many new opportunities this project will create.” – Rep. Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville)
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Media Contacts
Sam Dong
Karl Vogelsberg
Sales and Marketing Director
(423) 921-7373 ext.144
kvogelsberg@samdong.com
TNECD
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov