Tennessee Receives 2010 Silver Shovel: Between 5 and 10 Million Population Category
June 01, 2010
Tennessee hopes the value of the investment is just the start in its relationship with Wacker Chemie — a second 2009 “Project of the Year.”
The company plans to construct a new, hyperpure polycrystalline silicon facility on property it has acquired in Cleveland, Tennessee. The 550-acre site, which cost the company $20 million in land acquisition alone, will be the home of manufacturing and office facilities. The size of the site, combined with readily available power from the Tennessee Valley Authority and the area’s transportation infrastructure, helped to make Tennessee Wacker Chemie’s choice. The company expects a major boost in demand for polysilicon from the solar and semiconductor industries, and employment should reach 500 people.
“Government officials at all levels, agencies, and business associates from the state of Tennessee and Bradley County were extremely attentive to our business requirements, cooperative, and made every endeavor to support our plans,” said Wacker Chemie President and CEO Rudolf Staudigl.
In nearby Chattanooga, Gestamp Corp. will invest a comparatively small $90 million to construct a new auto parts stamping plant — a project that will create 230 new jobs and continue the momentum of a region that is experiencing solid growth and job expansion. A major new contract from Volkswagen helped spur Gestamp’s expansion plans, and the quality of the local work force helped make the location decision an easy one.
“We’re pleased to be able to continue our strong working relationship with Volkswagen,” said Jeff Wilson, president and chief operating officer for Gestamp. “I firmly believe the excellent business climate and skilled work force of Chattanooga and Tennessee will allow us to benefit from the same qualities Volkswagen found here and to continue our company’s long-term growth.”
Other firms in the automotive, tobacco, food products, and distribution sectors also located or expanded facilities in Tennessee last year that resulted in significant investment and job creation.
“Government officials at all levels, agencies, and business associates from the state of Tennessee and Bradley County were extremely attentive to our business requirements, cooperative, and made every endeavor to support our plans,” said Wacker Chemie President and CEO Rudolf Staudigl.
In nearby Chattanooga, Gestamp Corp. will invest a comparatively small $90 million to construct a new auto parts stamping plant — a project that will create 230 new jobs and continue the momentum of a region that is experiencing solid growth and job expansion. A major new contract from Volkswagen helped spur Gestamp’s expansion plans, and the quality of the local work force helped make the location decision an easy one.
“We’re pleased to be able to continue our strong working relationship with Volkswagen,” said Jeff Wilson, president and chief operating officer for Gestamp. “I firmly believe the excellent business climate and skilled work force of Chattanooga and Tennessee will allow us to benefit from the same qualities Volkswagen found here and to continue our company’s long-term growth.”
Other firms in the automotive, tobacco, food products, and distribution sectors also located or expanded facilities in Tennessee last year that resulted in significant investment and job creation.