Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and MTD Consumer Group Inc. officials announced the manufacturer will invest $10 million in its Martin operations over the next five years.
MTD is Weakley County’s largest private employer and a leading global manufacturer and distributor of residential and commercial outdoor power equipment under brands such as Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt. The company plans to create 200 jobs in Weakley County as it adds production at the Martin facility.
“I’m very pleased to see MTD move ahead with this investment in Weakley County,” Haslam said. “Tennessee’s existing companies like MTD are the primary drivers of our state’s economic growth. MTD’s expansion is a strong vote of confidence in the people of Martin and another sign that Tennessee will lead in attracting quality jobs to our rural communities.”
“MTD plays a valuable role in Weakley County and employs hundreds of residents,” Rolfe said. “The creation of 200 jobs will have a tremendous impact on the local economy and people of Weakley County. This investment underscores that Tennessee is a place where leading businesses can grow and provide quality jobs for our citizens. I’d like to thank MTD for its continued commitment to Martin and Weakley County.”
“We’ve operated here in Martin since 1985,” said Steve Baker, MTD’s general manager for the facility. “This is home for us and we’re blessed to be able to provide meaningful jobs for our community. We want to thank everyone who has helped, and will continue to help us, bring this expansion to fruition.”
MTD’s $20 million expansion in 2014 created a foundation for future growth. Now, with the additional $10 million investment for facility updates and new equipment, as well as 200 new jobs, MTD will be able to offer year-round employment for associates and production of innovative, quality products for customers.
“We are excited to celebrate with MTD in its recent decision to add an additional 200 jobs to their full-time workforce,” Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum said. “As Weakley County’s largest private employer, MTD continues to prove that it is committed to the success of the community and its workforce. We want to thank Gov. Haslam, Commissioner Rolfe and TNECD for the support they have given Weakley County. Our recent success is evidence of the good work being done by Weakley County, the city of Martin and the Weakley County Economic Development Board.”
“MTD has been an outstanding community partner over the years,” Martin Mayor Randy Brundige said. “We appreciate MTD’s further commitment to Martin on this expansion project, and are thankful for the new job creation. We look forward to many more years of partnership with the leadership and workforce of MTD.”
“On behalf of the Weakley County Economic Development Board, we are pleased that MTD is investing more capital and creating 200 full time jobs in Martin and Weakley County,” Ronnie Price, president of the Weakley County Economic Development Board, said. “This investment shows MTD's long-term commitment to our community and this expansion would not have happened without the hard work and dedication of the company's local management team and associates.”
“TVA and Weakley County Municipal Electric System congratulate MTD on its decision to expand operations in Weakley County,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “Helping to facilitate new job creation in the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we are proud to partner with the Weakley County Economic Development Board and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission.”
Martin and Weakley County are represented by Sen. John Stevens (R – Huntingdon) and Rep. Andy Holt (R – Dresden) 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 Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.