Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Enchem America Inc. officials announced the company will invest $152.5 million to establish electrolyte manufacturing operations in Brownsville, Tennessee.
Located at the I-40 Advantage Industrial Park, a Select Tennessee Certified Site, the new facility will be Enchem’s second U.S. plant. The project will create 190 new jobs in Tier 4, At-Risk Haywood County.
The Brownsville facility will operate similarly to Enchem’s U.S. headquarters in Commerce, Georgia, and will manufacture electrolytes for electric vehicle (EV) batteries as well as other EV battery-related services.
Enchem America Inc. is a subsidiary of Enchem Co., Ltd., which is based in South Korea. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of electrolytes and other additives for rechargeable batteries. With the additional Tennessee operations, Enchem will be able to further support its EV partners across the Southeast.
Since 2019, TNECD has supported more than 50 economic development projects in the Southwest Tennessee region, resulting in nearly 9,300 job commitments and $7.2 billion in capital investment.
“Enchem’s decision to invest more than $150 million in Tennessee is a testament to our unmatched business climate, highly skilled workforce and position as a leader in the automotive industry. I thank Enchem for choosing Tennessee to establish its second U.S. facility and for creating 190 new jobs to provide greater opportunity to Tennesseans across Haywood County.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“South Korea is one of Tennessee’s top 10 foreign direct investment partners, and we are proud that another global brand like Enchem has chosen to place its trust in our state. Enchem is not only investing in one of Tennessee’s At-Risk counties, but the company is also boosting the EV supply chain across Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and extend a sincere thank you to Haywood County, the City of Brownsville and all the professionals that assisted Enchem in our journey as we expand our presence in North America. The growth of the EV market in recent years has been truly remarkable, and all indications suggest that this trend will continue at an accelerated pace over the coming decade. As we look to the future, I am confident that our company is well positioned to further capitalize on the growth of the EV market. We look forward to exploring new avenues of innovation and partnership opportunities with Haywood County and the City of Brownsville.” – Jung Kang Oh, CEO and founder, Enchem Co. Ltd.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Enchem and thank them for picking Haywood County and Brownsville as home to their newest location. This important association of newfound friends signifies our commitment to making the EV revolution a reality in Haywood County. The economic opportunity this brings will help transform Haywood County and all West Tennessee with great, new high paying jobs, and we thank Governor Lee and TNECD for their partnership in making this opportunity a reality.” – Haywood County Mayor David Livingston
“We are pleased to welcome Enchem America to the City of Brownsville. Today’s announcement brings to fruition years of work and investment in I-40 Advantage Industrial Park fulfilling the goal of bringing high quality job opportunities to our city. Today we are realizing the fruits of our labor and look forward to working with Enchem to continue to build the advanced manufacturing workforce of the future right here in Brownsville, Tennessee.” – Brownsville Mayor Bill Rawls
“TVA and Brownsville Energy Authority congratulate Enchem America on its decision to establish operations in Haywood County. Helping to support companies like Enchem America that are creating jobs and investment in the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with HTL Advantage, Brownsville-Haywood County Industrial Development Corporation, City of Brownsville and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to further that mission and celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development
“I’m very pleased to welcome Enchem America to Haywood County. This investment will not only bring many jobs and boost the regional economy, but further establish our community as a hub of innovation at the forefront of this rapidly growing industry. I am proud to support this initiative and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community.” – Sen. Page Walley (R-Savannah)
“The prospect of a more than $152 million investment is just another example of the unprecedented growth happening here in Brownsville, Haywood County and West Tennessee. BlueOval City lit the fuse for what continues to be an economic explosion for this area. My thanks to Enchem America and all the local and state officials who are keeping the momentum going here in Haywood County.” – Rep. Johnny Shaw (D-Bolivar)