Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, the Department of Economic and Community Development and SmileDirectClub, LLC officials announced that the orthodontics company will invest $4.5 million to expand in Nashville. SmileDirectClub will create approximately 440 jobs in Davidson County over the next five years.
“The surest way for our cities and communities to continue to prosper is by fostering a business climate that encourages our existing businesses to hire and grow,” Haslam said. “Whether they are long-time companies or newer startups such as SmileDirectClub, the success of our existing businesses is crucial to the overall well-being of our local communities. Thank you, SmileDirectClub for investing further in Tennessee and bringing us one step closer toward our goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“During Gov. Haslam’s administration, healthcare and medical device companies have invested more than $800 million in Tennessee, creating approximately 8,100 new jobs,” TNECD Chief Operating Officer Ted Townsend said. “With companies such as SmileDirectClub, Nashville has been at the forefront of delivering healthcare in innovative ways. We look forward to the continued growth of SmileDirectClub in Nashville and thank the company’s leadership for committing to create another 440 jobs in Davidson County.”
SmileDirectClub is expanding in two Davidson County locations. The company will add office and customer service personnel in its new downtown Nashville headquarters at 414 Union Street. SmileDirectClub will also create jobs at a new manufacturing and distribution center in Antioch.
"We could not be more proud and excited to call Nashville home. Nashville is growing exponentially, and we’re happy to be growing right alongside it,” SmileDirectClub CEO Doug Hudson said. “We put our new office in the heart of downtown because we want to be in the middle of all the energy, growth and fun this city has to offer. These are the exact qualities we wish to exhibit as a company. We’re all about making people smile, and Nashville is the city that puts a smile on our face."
Founded in 2014, Nashville-based SmileDirectClub is a leader in teledentistry. The company uses cloud-based technology to connect patients with a network of state-licensed dental professionals who provide ongoing, remote orthodontic treatment. SmileDirectClub works with an orthodontic lab to custom-make a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually shift patients’ teeth into the desired position without in-office visits.
“SmileDirectClub shows that an innovative idea, combined with a bold entrepreneurial spirit and a small business-friendly climate can lead to incredible success,” Nashville Mayor Megan Barry said. “Our office has followed SmileDirectClub’s success very closely, and has been happy to assist in making sure they have been able to grow and thrive, creating great new jobs in the process.
“TVA and Nashville Electric Service congratulate SmileDirectClub on its decision to grow both its corporate office and manufacturing operations in Nashville,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “Attracting and retaining quality jobs is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help support continued growth of companies like SmileDirectClub in the region.”
Nashville and Davidson County are represented by Speaker Beth Harwell (R – Nashville), Rep. Bo Mitchell (D – Nashville), Rep. Bill Beck (D- Nashville), Rep. Mike Stewart (D – Nashville), Rep. Jason Powell (D – Nashville), Rep. Brenda Gilmore (D – Nashville), Rep. Brenda Gimore (D – Nashville), Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D – Nashville), Rep. Harold Love (D – Nashville), Rep. Sherry Jones (D – Nashville), Rep. Darren Jernigan (D – Old Hickory), Sen. Steven Dickerson (R – Nashville), Sen. Ferrell Haile (R – Gallatin), Sen. Jeff Yarbro and Sen. Thelma Harper (D – Nashville) in the Tennessee General Assembly.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: www.TNECD.com. Follow us on Twitter: @TNECD. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TNECD.