Two manufacturing companies announcing expansion plans in Tennessee anticipate creating more than 500 jobs.
The companies, Stella-Jones and Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) Manufacturing, will invest more than $50 million to complete their expansion project.
Stella-Jones, a Canadian-based company, will be opening its first-ever American-based steel structure manufacturing operation in Fayetteville. The company will spend $45 million to complete its expansion project, enabling Stella-Jones to meet demand in the United States.
Stella-Jones, which manufactures infrastructure products, expects the new site to be operational by the end of 2027.
Eric Vachon, Stella-Jones president, said the company is “pleased to announce Fayetteville as the home of our first U.S.-based steel structure manufacturing facility.”
“As we prepare the site, we look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with the state of Tennessee and to playing an active role in the broader community,” Vachon said.
Governor Bill Lee said he looks “forward to seeing the opportunity these almost 230 jobs will have on the families across Lincoln County for years to come.”
Bill Newman, Lincoln County mayor, said the county “continues to diversify its industrial base with the announcement of Stella-Jones coming to [its] Runway Industrial Park.”
“The dedicated workforce here in Lincoln County is a major reason for Stella-Jones to locate here. The mayor’s office, county government and our citizens stand ready to make Stella-Jones welcome and successful,” he added.
Since 2019, Canadian companies have created more than 4,000 jobs in Tennessee through foreign direct investment, according to a state government press release.
The Florida-based company, LEV Manufacturing, will open its first Tennessee facility to serve as its primary American assembly, logistics, and fulfillment center.
LEV Manufacturing’s anticipated $7 million investment will create 288 jobs at the 100,000 square-foot production and distribution facility it purchased in Algood.
The electric bike company’s new facility will include partnerships with Tennessee research institutions to advance development and innovation.
Robert Provost, LEV Manufacturing’s CEO, said establishing a Tennessee facility “major milestone” for the company.
“This location will serve as a central hub for distributing and future assembly of leading electric mobility brands, including Rad Power Bikes, Serial 1 and Life EV,” Provost said.
“By bringing operations closer to our customers and investing in U.S.-based manufacturing, we are building a scalable platform to support long-term growth, innovation and job creation,” he added.
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said the state is “proud to welcome LEV Manufacturing.”
“Companies that not only create jobs but also seek to partner with our exceptional research institutions are exactly the type of investment and business we want to attract, and we look forward to seeing the success that follows today’s announcement,” he said.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at zschmidt1717@gmail.com.
