The Modine Manufacturing Company has announced plans to expand its operation in southern Middle Tennessee, bringing 45 new jobs to its manufacturing facility in Lawrence County.
A $1.2 million investment, the project includes the relocation of three product lines from operations in Missouri and Rhode Island to the company’s Lawrenceburg facility.
“We are fortunate in light of our current competitive environment to have the opportunity to once again expand our operations in Lawrenceburg,” said David Killen, the company’s Lawrenceburg plant manager said in an announcement.
“We are excited about the addition of our new heat transfer products that we will supply to the mass transit and stationary power markets. I appreciate all of the extra work and support provided by Governor Lee, TNECD, and our local chamber to help secure this new business.”
The company manufactures heat transfer products for a wide range of markets including stationary power generation, mining, agriculture, construction, automotive and building HVAC.
Modine will retrofit and expand its current facility for the new lines. The Tennessee plant is currently an aluminum fabrication plant, while the new lines have significant stainless-steel content, according to an announcement shared by the state.
“As we get our economy back on track, investments like this are crucial for our state,” Gov. Bill Lee said. “I look forward to seeing this company continue to succeed in Southern Middle Tennessee.”
Building on 30-year legacy
The company has had a manufacturing presence in Tennessee for over 30 years and currently employs more than 500 people across the state.
The investment received a warm welcome for both local and state officials.
“As our largest manufacturer, Modine betters our community by providing high-quality job opportunities for our citizens,” said T.R. Williams, Lawrence County’s executive. “On behalf of Lawrence County, I want to congratulate Modine Manufacturing Company on its latest investment and the positive impact it brings our community.”
Lawrenceburg Mayor Blake Lay said the investment continues a longstanding relationship between the city, its workers and the company.
“This investment is a vote of confidence in Lawrenceburg’s business climate, workforce, and quality of life,” Lay said. “I am proud of our city’s longstanding partnership with Modine Manufacturing Company and the growth this new expansion brings.”
Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, said the announcement continues to serve as an example of the region’s growing economy.
“Modine Manufacturing Company’s decision to expand its facility is great news for Lawrenceburg and a significant win for our growing economy,” Hensley said. “We have a dedicated workforce that gets the job done right. I look forward to this company’s continued growth and success. I also appreciate the work done by our local officials, our Department of Economic and Community Development, and Governor Lee to bring new job opportunities to Lawrence County. It is a pleasure to work with them as we make job creation a top priority.”
Elected officials support expansion
Rep. Clay Doggett, R–Pulaski, said the expansion continues to show that investors see the potential in the region and its people.
“Modine Manufacturing’s commitment to Lawrence County speaks to our favorable business climate and our ability to provide the talented workforce they need,” Doggett said. “I thank them for their continued investment in our community and wish them success for many more years to come.”
“This new investment brings with it new career opportunities for our citizens and continues our community’s partnership with the great team at Modine,” said Ryan Egly, the president and CEO of the Lawrence County Chamber.
In the last five years, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has supported 65 economic development projects in greater southern Middle Tennessee.
The state organization states that those investments have brought approximately 8,500 job commitments and $3.7 billion in capital investment to the state.
“Modine has created manufacturing jobs in Tennessee for over 30 years, and we’re pleased to welcome this expansion and creation of 45 new jobs,” said Bob Rolfe, TNECD Commissioner.
In 2010, Modine reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its operations in Lawrence County when it began relocating equipment to a facility near its existing manufacturing plant in Lawrenceburg.
The move included a brazing furnace and associated production equipment to begin producing off-highway aluminum radiators.
The transfer broadened the operation’s ability to manufacture new products in southern Middle Tennessee and added about 200 new jobs to southern Middle Tennessee.
Modine is one of several companies with operations in Lawrence County that feed components to the South’s automotive assembly lines.
Other major companies with a local presence include Dura Automotive Systems and Martin Industries.
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