Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with Parkdale Mills officials announced the company will invest $120 million to expand its Mountain City operations making it the company’s largest ring spinning installation. In order to accommodate the expansion, Parkdale Mills will increase its existing footprint to include an additional 222,158 square feet and create 80 new jobs in Johnson County.
“Parkdale Mills is the largest manufacturer in Johnson County, and today’s announcement is a tremendous uplift for the area’s citizens and its outstanding workforce,” Boyd said. “This is great news for Mountain City, and we’re thankful to Parkdale Mills for choosing to further invest in our state and create more jobs for Tennesseans.”
“Parkdale Mills is grateful for the opportunity that has been provided by the state of Tennessee and Johnson County to further invest in our future,” Parkdale Mills President Charles Heilig said. “Our associates deserve this opportunity to create another world class operation that fits within Parkdale’s manufacturing footprint. This project will near its completion on our company’s hundredth birthday, and we could not imagine a better community to celebrate this milestone with.”
Parkdale Mills’ Mountain City location primarily produces yarn used for outerwear, innerwear and t-shirts. The expansion will include replacing all existing manufacturing equipment and increasing the facility size. Construction will begin immediately with plans for new technology and equipment to be installed in July 2015.
"This is outstanding news. Tennessee continues to prove it is the best state in the nation to own and operate a business,” Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey said. “I am proud that Parkdale recognizes the excellence of the workforce in Johnson County and has chosen to expand and grow in Mountain City."
“This is a very exciting announcement for Johnson County. In today’s competitive business environment, it really protects the more than 300 jobs Parkdale currently provides for our citizens,” Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter said. “An investment of this size means so much to the community and is a true reflection of the work ethic displayed by Parkdale’s current workforce. I’m thankful to the company and look forward to its continued growth in Johnson County.”
“TVA and Mountain Electric Cooperative congratulate Parkdale Mills on its decision to make a major expansion that will create additional jobs in Johnson County,” John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development, said. “We are pleased to partner with the state of Tennessee, Mountain City and Johnson County officials to help facilitate Parkdale’s growth and continued success.”
A leader in the spun yarn industry, Parkdale Mills has 28 plants and more than 5,000 employees in North, Central and South America. The company is one of the largest single consumers of U.S. cotton using 360,000 tons each year.
Hiring will begin in late May, and interested persons can apply at the facility located at 3916 Highway 421 South in Mountain City. To learn more about Parkdale Mills, visit parkdalemills.com.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. 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.