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Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty today joined with representatives from Sam Dong Inc. to announce the company’s decision to locate a second manufacturing facility in Rogersville, Tenn. Sam Dong Inc. will invest $2.8 million over the next three years and create 85 production and maintenance jobs.
“Our Jobs4TN strategy focuses on expanding existing Tennessee businesses, because our research has shown the overwhelming majority of jobs created in our state come from businesses already here,” Haslam said. “When an existing Tennessee company chooses to expand right where it is, we know we have the right strategies in place, and we will continue to work towards our goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“Existing industry is the backbone of our state’s economy and the core driver of new job growth,” Hagerty said. “Governor Haslam’s Jobs4TN plan recognizes this, and we are seeing solid results with our renewed focus on Tennessee companies. I congratulate Sam Dong Inc. on its expansion in Rogersville and thank them for the additional jobs they are contributing to our state’s economy.”
Sam Dong Inc. produces specialty magnet copper wiring products used in the production of transformers, motors and generators. The company’s second Rogersville facility will be located at 303 Thorpe’s Chapel Road. Opening in 2008, the existing Rogersville facility currently employs 207 people and is the company’s first U.S. facility. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Eumseong, South Korea, Sam Dong Inc. has three South Korean facilities and two in the U.S.
“With increasing customer demand as well as an overall increased market share in the North American market, Rogersville was the obvious choice for our expansion,” Sun Gi Park, vice president and general manager, Sam Dong Inc., said. “We will relocate two departments to the new facility and expect the project to be complete by the end of the year.”
“Sam Dong Inc. has continued to grow and expand since day one in Rogersville,” Lynn Lawson, Industrial Developer for Hawkins County, said. “We appreciate the company’s long term commitment to our community and to the citizens of Hawkins County.”
“This is a substantial commitment by Sam Dong Inc., and we are thrilled that the company has decided to continue to make Rogersville its home,” Larry Elkins, chairman, Hawkins County Industrial Development Board, said. “This speaks volumes for our solid business environment and high quality workforce here in Hawkins County.”
Hiring for the additional 85 positions has already begun and will continue through 2012.
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. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.