Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Protomet Corporation officials announced the company will expand its footprint in East Tennessee by establishing engineering and manufacturing operations in Rockwood.
Protomet will create 250 new jobs and invest $25 million as the company acquires and retrofits the former Albahealth building on North Gateway Avenue.
The Roane County facility will be state-of-the art, joining and supporting Protomet’s other manufacturing operations in Loudon and Anderson counties.
Protomet Corporation is a manufacturing, engineering and technology corporation headquartered in Loudon, Tennessee. Protomet serves an array of customers, including automotive, boating and homeland security. With the additional plant in Rockwood, Protomet will employ more than 500 Tennesseans.
Since 2020, TNECD has supported nearly 50 economic development projects in the East Tennessee region, resulting in approximately 9,000 job commitments and $2.6 billion in capital investment.
“Tennessee’s strong business climate is strengthened and shaped by companies like Protomet, and I am proud to take part in announcing this expansion. I thank Protomet for its commitment to the state’s skilled workforce and for creating greater opportunity across East Tennessee.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Today’s announcement is exciting for East Tennessee and builds upon the growth this region has experienced this year. Since 2023, the state has landed more than 3,400 jobs in the Greater Knoxville area, and we appreciate Protomet for strengthening that number with 250 new jobs.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“In the last three decades, Tennessee’s pro-business climate has helped fuel our company’s growth. Today, we are excited to announce the creation of our fourth engineering and manufacturing facility in East Tennessee as we partner with the great people of Rockwood to build a bigger future together.” – Protomet Corporation President Jeff Bohanan
“This is an incredible win for Roane County and the City of Rockwood. A little over a year ago, our community was shaken with the announcement of the closing of a long-time employer of 170 local citizens. Today, we are so proud to announce the location of Protomet to downtown Rockwood, a successful regional employer bringing 250 higher-paying jobs to Rockwood and investing millions of dollars into an aging facility. This project is an economic development dream, and I could not be happier to welcome Protomet to Roane County.” – Roane County Executive Wade Creswell
“When you are the mayor of a small town, bad news travels fast. When we got the word Albahealth was closing, it was devastating. Families that worked there for generations were suddenly faced without a job. Then when we heard Protomet was considering buying the property, it was the best news we could ever even imagine. We are so excited to have them in our community and look forward to working with them. This will be a giant economic boost for our city, county and this region. Protomet is made up of a good bunch of people, and we welcome them to our city with open arms.” – Rockwood Mayor Jason Jolly
“TVA and Rockwood Electric Utility congratulate Protomet on its decision to establish operations in Rockwood. We are proud to partner with the Roane Alliance, Roane County, City of Rockwood and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support companies, like Protomet, that are creating job opportunities and investment in the region, and we celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development
“Roane County is a natural fit for those who want to invest and make a good living. I’m excited Protomet wants to bring 250 jobs to Rockwood. I welcome high paying jobs and opportunity for my constituents who are building up the American dream in East Tennessee.” – Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston)
“Protomet is already an established, respected company in East Tennessee, and I’m thrilled for their continued investment, now in the Rockwood community. Thanks to the Protomet leadership for their support of our community and congratulations on this expansion.” – Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston)