NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Valmont Industries officials announced today the company will further expand its Marion County facility.
As part of the expansion, Valmont will create 84 new jobs and invest $45 million in Jasper, Tennessee, to increase production of its engineered steel transmission, distribution and substation structures for the utility industry. Demand for these structures is growing as utility companies build the infrastructure needed to support increased power needs.
Today’s announcement marks an extension of a previous Valmont expansion announced in 2024, when the company pledged to create 80 new jobs and invest more than $6 million. Valmont met its job goal nearly three years early, allowing for additional growth and leading to today’s announcement.
In 2019, the company became the first manufacturing facility in Tennessee to establish a welding pre-apprenticeship program at local high schools. Since then, more than 80 students have completed the program with an average of 65-70% of graduates being hired for full-time employment at the Jasper facility.
Founded in 1946 in Valley, Nebraska, Valmont manufactures engineered structures for critical infrastructure, as well as center pivot irrigation systems and related technology. Today, the company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and employs more than 11,000 employees across 21 different countries on six continents.
QUOTES
“All of Tennessee succeeds when rural Tennessee succeeds, and I’m proud to celebrate not just today’s announcement but also in the success Valmont has experienced in our state the past few years. We’re proud of our efforts to make Tennessee the best place to live, work and raise a family, and we’re glad this company’s leadership recognized that.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“This project represents exactly what we are looking for in Tennessee: a successful company that continues to expand, a strong commitment to a rural community and, perhaps most importantly, an outstanding partnership with local schools to train future workers. When I think of the types of companies we’re proud to partner with in Tennessee, Valmont is one of the first that comes to mind. Thank you to their leadership for their continued trust in our state, and I look forward to their success throughout the future.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“Expanding in Jasper allows us to build on the strength of our team and their track record of performance. We’re proud of the investments we’ve made to develop the skilled workforce that makes this growth possible through our pre-apprenticeship program. This expansion will help us meet our customers’ growing needs for utility infrastructure to support a stronger grid while contributing to economic growth in the region.” – Chris Colwell, president, infrastructure, Valmont Industries
“TVA and Sequatchie Valley Electric Cooperative congratulate Valmont on its decision to expand operations in Marion County. We are proud to partner with Marion County Government and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development in our shared commitment to fostering job opportunities and investment in the region and to support companies like Valmont in its continued business success here in the Valley.” – Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development, TVA
“Valmont is a big asset for Marion County. They provide good-paying jobs and have started one of the first apprenticeship programs in the state for high school juniors and seniors. We were very excited to learn that Valmont officials selected the Jasper plant for their expansion, which will bring more good-paying jobs and gives our citizens an opportunity to work at home instead of having to travel out of the county. We look forward to continued growth at Valmont, and we are proud they call Marion County home.” – Marion County Mayor David Jackson
“Valmont’s continued growth and investment in Jasper reflect the strength of Marion County’s workforce and will bring 84 new jobs to our community. I especially appreciate the company’s work with local high schools to help students gain valuable skills and build careers close to home.” – Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga)
“Valmont is a valued community partner that has made a lasting impact on dozens of local students through its pre-apprenticeship program. I’m thrilled to see the company continue to grow in Jasper, creating quality opportunities for local families and strengthening Marion County’s reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse.” – Rep. Iris Rudder (R-Winchester)
About Valmont Industries
For more than 80 years, Valmont has been a global leader that provides products and solutions to support vital infrastructure and advance agricultural productivity. We are committed to customer-focused innovation that delivers lasting value. Learn more about how we’re Conserving Resources. Improving Life.® at valmont.com.
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
Valmont Industries
Shelby Sanders
shelby.sanders@valmont.com
TNECD
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov