Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Mersen officials announced that the manufacturer will invest up to $65 million over time to establish operations in Columbia.
Mersen, a global leader in electrical power and advanced materials, will create approximately 100 jobs in Maury County. The company will acquire and renovate part of a former industrial building in Columbia. Mersen anticipates the plant will be operational in the second half of 2020.
Headquartered in France, Mersen designs innovative solutions that enable clients to optimize their manufacturing performance. It works with businesses in the energy, electronics, transportation, chemical, pharmaceuticals and process industries. Mersen has 6,900 employees across 35 counties.
Since 2015, TNECD has supported 19 economic development projects in Maury County, totaling nearly 4,200 job commitments and $1.38 billion in private capital investment.
“I’m committed to ensuring that Tennesseans all across our state have access to quality job opportunities and that Tennessee continues to be a top state to do business. I look forward to seeing the residents of Maury County benefit from these 100 new high-quality jobs Mersen is creating.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Mersen’s decision to create 100 quality jobs in Columbia is tremendous news for the residents of Maury County. When an international manufacturer chooses to invest in one of our communities, it’s a testament to the tremendous, world-class business climate we’ve fostered in Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“Given today’s particularly buoyant market, our goal at Mersen is to find the additional graphite production capacities that we need to satisfy market demands from 2020 onwards. With the quality of the assets there allowing a gradual investment, this acquisition is indeed an excellent opportunity to ramp-up our business in line with market dynamics while providing our Group with a new competitive advantage on certain materials that we purchase currently from outside vendors” – Mersen Group VP Advanced Materials Eric Guajioty.
“I would like to thank Mersen for its investment in Columbia, which will revitalize an industrial site in the community that had been idled. Mersen’s investment and new job opportunities will enhance the diversity of industry in the local and regional economy. I would also like to thank our intergovernmental partners and regional economic development partners that made today’s announcement by Mersen possible.” – City of Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder
“In 2018, 80 percent of the announced investment in Maury County came in the form of foreign direct investment. I am excited to see that level of international interest in Maury County continue with the announcement today from a world-class company like Mersen. Having worked closely with their executive team, I thank Mersen for its commitment to our community and look forward to working with the company toward its future success here in Maury County.” – Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles
“TVA congratulates Mersen on its decision to locate in Columbia and create new job opportunities. We are proud to partner with Maury Alliance and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and are committed to support Mersen’s success at its new location in the Valley.” – TVA General Manager of Global Business Heidi Smith
“I am very pleased that Mersen is planning to make an up to $65 million investment in Maury County. Companies are realizing that Tennessee is a great place to live and do business. The people here have an incredible work ethic. I congratulate our local officials and economic development leaders, Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe, and our Department of Economic and Community Development for their role in bringing this investment to my district. I was happy to support this project, and I look forward to continuing to strive to bring more jobs to our state.” – State Sen. Joey Hensley (R – Hohenwald)
“Mersen’s strong investment of $65 million and its commitment of 100 new jobs is a tribute to the talented workforce we have in Columbia and Maury County. I applaud our local leaders for their efforts securing these high-quality jobs, and I look forward to continuing our work to attract additional businesses to our community.” – State Rep. Michael Curcio (R – Dickson)