Monofilament Yarn Manufacturer to Invest $2.8 Million, Create 32 New Jobs
NASHVILLE—Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Wetekam Monofilmanets USA officials today announced the company will locate a new manufacturing facility in Dandridge, Tennessee. Wetekam Monofilaments USA has purchased a 93,000-square-foot facility in the Jefferson County Industrial Park where it will manufacture industrial monofilament yarns through a high-tech intrusion process. The company plans to invest $3.8 million in this facility and create 32 new jobs.
“Tennessee has seen major growth in manufacturing jobs since Governor Haslam took office. In the last three years, more than 20,000 net new manufacturing positions have been created in our state, making us second in the Southeast for job creation in the sector,” Hagerty said. “Wetekam Monofilaments’ decision to locate in Tennessee underscores our unique geographical advantages and business-friendly climate. I appreciate their investment and the new jobs they are creating in East Tennessee.”
Established in 1965, Wetekam Monofilaments is one of the largest monofilament yarn manufacturers in Germany. Currently, 45 percent of its production is for export; 30 percent of production is estimated to be for the North American market. The Jefferson County facility will assume production responsibilities for U.S., Canadian and South American customers.
In Germany, Wetekam operates an in-house laboratory and technical facilities to perform tests required by customers to determine exact properties including strength and flexibility. A similar lab will be a part of the Dandridge plant. With its technologies and highly developed production methods, Wetekam individually optimizes products that have been customized according to customer specificiation.
Wetekam Monofilaments yarns are used by a broad range of manufacturers in a variety of products. Customers are technical weavers, braiders, tufters and knitters. Important industries supplied are automotive, medical, sport (turf, tennis racquet strings, fishing line), and upholstery, among others. Wetekam Monofilaments turf yarn has been installed in several major U.S. sports stadiums.
The company will begin hiring around the beginning of 2015. Those interested in applying can email [email protected].
Contacts
Tom S. Beck
Wetekam Monofilmanets USA
[email protected]
Garrett Wagley
Director of Economic Development
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Office: (865) 397-9642
Cell: (865) 310-7680
[email protected]
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named “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: tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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