Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Stonepeak Ceramics, Inc. officials announced the company will expand and open a new production line at its Crossville facility. The total investment of $70 million will increase the factory’s capacity by 20 percent. Once complete, Stonepeak Ceramics will be the first tile manufacturer to produce large size porcelain panels in the United States. Equipped with the newest technological features, the line produces tiles ranging from 6 mm to 2 cm in thickness. It is the only production line in the world capable of producing porcelain tiles starting from the large size of 120”x 60” to the smaller size of 12”x12”.
With this expansion, the porcelain tile manufacturer will add approximately 160 full-time jobs at its Crossville facility over the next five years.
“I want to thank Stonepeak for choosing to expand its operations in Crossville and adding more than 160 full-time jobs over the next five years in Cumberland County,” Haslam said. “Tennessee is one of the top locations in the country for ceramics industry growth, and Stonepeak is continuing this momentum by creating more jobs in this fast-growing industry. Because of investments like this, Tennessee will lead in the creation of high-quality jobs.”
“I want to congratulate Stonepeak on its decision to expand its operations in Cumberland County,” Rolfe said. “Stonepeak has had a long history in our state and has been a great partner to Tennessee for over 14 years. I appreciate Stonepeak for its continued partnership with Tennessee and look forward to seeing this company continue to succeed in our state.”
StonePeak is a domestic porcelain tile manufacturer serving locations across the United States. Stonepeak Ceramics, a subsidiary of the Italian holding group Iris Ceramica, is one of the leading porcelain tile manufacturers in the U.S.
Stonepeak plans on further expanding its current operations in Crossville to keep up with growing demand. The company plans on adding a new product line that will accounts for one new kiln.
“The opening of the new production line represents an important investment for our company. It is part of the strategic decision we made to mature as a global product supplier in this rapidly growing market segment,” Federica Minozzi, CEO of Iris Ceramica Group, said. “By offering large size panels, made in the U.S., we will shorten delivery times and simplify all of our logistics while reducing the environmental impact.”
Local leaders and the Tennessee Valley Authority thanked Stonepeak for its investment in Crossville.
“The collaboration between the city, county and chamber are once again providing opportunities for local companies to take full advantage of the tools for growth,” Crossville Mayor James Mayberry said. “Today’s announcement by Stonepeak reaffirms that Crossville and Cumberland County is a community capable of hosting significant private investment when there is a commitment to grow industrial jobs. We are pleased that Stonepeak is reaffirming its commitment to grow right here.”
“It was not by accident that this announcement is being made today,” Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster said. “It is due to a series of meetings coming from an organized industrial expansion program that Stonepeak is growing once again. New jobs mean that more Cumberland County families can find work and remain right here on the plateau. This expansion is a win for the company, the community and our residents.”
“TVA and Volunteer Energy Cooperative congratulate Stonepeak Ceramics on its decision on its decision to invest into the new production line and ensure employment or employment growth,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “Helping to foster job growth and investment is fundamental to TVA’s core mission of service and we are proud to partner with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee Department of Labor, and Cumberland County to help further that mission.”
Crossville and Cumberland County are represented Senator Paul Bailey (R – Sparta) and Rep. Cameron Sexton (R – Crossville) 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.