GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – A multimillion-dollar investment by a manufacturer to expand operations in Greeneville will create nearly 70 new jobs.
On Tuesday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s office and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced that Meco would invest $27.8 million to expand its Greeneville headquarters.
In doing so, Meco will create 67 new jobs, a TNECD release states.
“Tennessee’s unprecedented economic growth, unmatched business climate and skilled workforce make our state the ideal location for companies to expand and thrive,” Lee stated in the release. “I thank Meco Corporation for its continued investment in Tennessee and for creating nearly 70 new jobs to provide greater opportunity for Tennesseans across Greene County.”
The state has also given the company a $300,000 grant. Local, state and federal lawmakers were at the announcement Wednesday.
“We’re just so excited about what’s happening here, in Greeneville and Greene County,” said Tennessee State Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter.
U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty came out to show his support.
“Things are happening right here in Tennessee, and I couldn’t be more proud than to join you all today,” said Hagerty. “To congratulate this great team that’s expanding.”
Commissioner McWhorter said there is a business focus in the region and for good reason.
“The workforce that this region produces is skilled ready and if they’re not skilled ready, they have the ability to be skilled up,” said McWhorter. “Companies that are looking to relocate or expand recognize that.”
State Representative David Hawk (R – Greeneville) is happy that Tennessee is supporting a state initiative for economic development in Greene County.
“We’re really looking into deeply supporting Tennessee-made products and how do we get those to the end users,” said Hawk. “This the way that the Tennessee Department of Economic Development is getting these products into Tennesseans’ hands.”
Meco leadership said this grant will not only help bring jobs to the area but also will encourage people to stay in a growing area.
“It’s building something that we can grow our community and encourage our youth to come back,” said Meco Corporation president Whitney Winter. “And demonstrate that there’s jobs here, that there’s opportunities here and to enjoy the beauty of this county.”
The Meco Corporation was founded in 1959 and manufactures several items like steel folding furniture, step stools and barbecue grills. The release states Meco has made millions of grills in Greeneville.
“We are very proud of Meco and its storied history of quality manufacturing and job creation here in Greene County,” said Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison. “It has been a pillar of our valued industrial community for as long as I can remember. Additionally, Meco has contributed immeasurably in sponsorships of our schools and many vital community events and activities through the years. It is and has been an all-around, first-class supporter of everything Greene County, and we are tremendously grateful and blessed to have the company here.”
