Apr 4, 2025
Expanding Companies Bring Jobs and Opportunity
A worker installs Rockwool insulation.
A candy maker in Tipton County, Tennessee. A medical technology company in Huntsville, Alabama. A lumber manufacturer in Mississippi.
These are just a few of the vibrant companies growing in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s seven-state region.
Since its inception in 1933, TVA has held economic development as a leading component in its mission of service to the Valley region.
Working with local, state and regional partners, TVA’s Economic Development team attracts new businesses while helping existing businesses thrive.
“Economic development is a team sport,” John Bradley, senior vice president of TVA Economic Development, said. “I want to congratulate these businesses on their continued success – and I’m proud of the work our team has done alongside our economic development partners to further TVA’s mission and improve the quality of life for the people of the Valley.”
In the past five years, the team has assisted in projects that account for nearly 43,000 new jobs and about $46 billion in capital investments.
As the first quarter of CY 2025 closes, TVA and its partners are celebrating a host of announcements from companies on the move.
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing
This firearm and ammunition manufacturer announced plans to expand operations in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Plans for the project include creating 183 new jobs and investing more than $76 million in the company’s new headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Economic development partners include Middle Tennessee Electric, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
CG Model Tek LLC
This aerospace modeling and manufacturing company announced plans to establish operations in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Plans for the project include creating 32 new jobs and investing $4.5 million in the company’s Coffee County facility.
Economic development partners include Tullahoma Utilities Board, Industrial Board of Coffee County, Tullahoma Chamber of Commerce, Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
West Star Aviation
West Star Aviation employees gather during an announcement of the company’s expanded operations.
West Star Aviation employees gather during an announcement of the company’s expanded operations.
This aircraft maintenance company plans to expand operations in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Plans for the project include adding 200 new jobs?and investing $32 million in the company’s Chattanooga manufacturing facility.
Economic development partners include EPB, the city of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
“This expansion highlights our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of our customers as their requirements evolve,” said Allen McReynolds, President and Chief Operating Officer of West Star Aviation.
“We are investing in infrastructure that not only supports the growing demands of our market but also ensures that we maintain the high level of service our customers expect.”
Glaukos Corporation
A global ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology company, Glaukos Corporation announced plans to establish operations in Huntsville, Alabama. Plans for the Madison County project include creating 154 new jobs and investing more than $82 million in the company’s research, development and manufacturing facility.
Economic development partners include Huntsville Utilities, Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, the city of Huntsville, Alabama Department of Commerce and the Cummings Research Park.
Yancey Engineered Solutions
Yancey Engineered Solutions, a manufacturer of generator enclosures and fuel tanks, plans to establish operations in Batesville, Mississippi. Plans for the project include creating 250 jobs?and investing nearly $21 million in the company’s Panola County facility.
Economic development partners include Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association, Mississippi Development Authority and Panola Partnership.
“We are excited to locate our next manufacturing facility for Yancey Engineered Solutions in Batesville,” Trey Googe, Yancey Bros. Co. Chairman and CEO, said.
“The community has been very welcoming, and we were impressed with the Batesville-Panola County region’s strong workforce development commitment. We look forward to serving our customers and an important segment of the U.S. economy through our Batesville operations.”
Southeastern Timber Products
A manufacturer of lumber, timber and decking products, Southeastern Timber announced plans to expand operations in Choctaw County, Mississippi. Plans for the project include creating?40 new jobs?and investing $123 million in its Ackerman facility.
Economic development partners include The Enterprise, 4-County Electric Power and Mississippi Development Authority.
Charms, LLC
Charms, a candy manufacturer, plans to expand operations in Tipton County, Tennessee. Plans for the project include creating 62 new jobs?and investing nearly $98 million in the company’s Covington location.
Economic development partners include Covington Electric System, Tipton County Community Development and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
Rockwool
Industrial insulation manufacturer Rockwool plans to expand operations in Marshall County, Mississippi. Plans for the project include creating 30 new jobs?and investing more than $100 million in the company’s facility.
Economic development partners include Northcentral Electric Cooperative, Marshall County Industrial Development Authority and Mississippi Development Authority.
“Rockwool thoughtfully selected Marshall County as the home of our first U.S. manufacturing site, and for over a decade, we’ve been proud to contribute to the local economy and support our neighbors,” Rory Moss, Rockwool North America president, said. “This latest investment reaffirms our deep commitment to Mississippi, the Marshall County community, and the American market.”
ABB Electrification
A rendering of ABB’s Selmer, Tennessee, facility.
ABB Electrification, an electrical distribution equipment manufacturer, plans to expand operations in McNairy County, Tennessee. Plans for the project include creating 50 new jobs?and investing $76 million in the company’s Selmer facility.
Economic development partners include Pickwick Electric, McNairy County Industrial Development Board and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.