Tennessee Renewable Energy Company to Create over 1,000 Jobs

by | Mar 16, 2026

A Tennessee-based energy company announced last week its expansion plan will create over 1,000 jobs for Tennesseans.

Create Energy, based in Portland, Tennessee, is investing more than $78 million in Sumner and Robertson counties.

Part of this investment will go toward buying a 338,000-square-foot facility in Orlinda, Tennessee, to serve as the company’s primary manufacturing hub.

Create Energy is investing more than 97% of the $78 million in the new factory in Orlinda. The new factory is expected to create 973 new jobs.

The company is investing an estimated $2 million in its Portland facility, which will be its welcome center, research and development center, and production site.

This investment will create 30 new jobs.

Dean Solon, Create Energy’s CEO, said the company has a “wave of major initiatives underway, and with our active presence in the mergers and acquisitions market, there’s much more on the horizon.”

“We’re moving fast, and we’re here to shake things up with solutions that are truly best in class,” he noted.

Governor. Bill Lee said Create Energy’s decision shows that “Tennessee is the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Stuart McWhorter, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development commissioner, said the company’s project shows “the type of company” the state is “proud to support as the Volunteer State leads the nation in developing clean, reliable and safe energy.”

“We remain committed to advancing R&D so that companies like Create Energy can continue to innovate, expand and thrive,” he explained.

Robertson County Mayor Billy Vogle said Create Energy “has been a tremendous partner in Portland,” noting the county is “excited the company has chosen to expand” in the area.

“This decision to grow locally brings real benefits – more quality jobs, increased investment and added momentum for the future of our economy,” he explained. “We’re grateful for the company’s continued commitment to our community and region and proud to support its growth.”

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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at zschmidt1717@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

   
This article may be republished only in its entirety and only with proper attribution to State News Foundation.

Written By Zachery Schmidt

Journalist

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