Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe Announce JC Ford Company to Locate Manufacturing Operations in Columbia

Thursday, May 06, 2021 | 09:00am
  • Manufacturer will invest $30 million in Maury County 
  • Company will create more than 200 new jobs 

COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and JC Ford Company officials announced today that the company will locate new manufacturing operations in Columbia, Tenn. 

The automated equipment manufacturer will invest $30 million to renovate two existing facilities and create 210 new jobs in Maury County over the next five years.  

Family-owned and operated, JC Ford was founded nearly 80 years ago. The company is a leading manufacturer in high-speed corn tortilla production equipment with production ranging from 1,000 to 8,000 dozen per hour.   

JC Ford also manufactures tortilla chip production lines, ranging from 250 pounds per hour to a completely automated 4,000 pounds per hour system. The company works with clients offering customized options for layout, design, equipment, product development and service to fit each client’s needs while maximizing resources and product quality. 

Hiring is underway. Interested applicants can go to www.jcford.com to learn more and are encouraged to attend all future job fairs, coming soon.    

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported more than 20 economic development projects in Maury County, resulting in more than 5,300 job commitments and $5.3 billion in capital investment.  

QUOTES 

“As the fifth fastest growing county in Tennessee, Maury County has positioned itself as an ideal place for companies to do business. We’re grateful that JC Ford has chosen to invest in Maury County. The 210 new jobs will provide wonderful opportunities for residents in middle Tennessee.” – Gov. Bill Lee  

“We are pleased to welcome JC Ford to Tennessee as it joins a growing list of West Coast, California-based companies setting up manufacturing operations in our state. JC Ford will be geographically well-positioned for distribution and will benefit from our low cost of doing business and strong manufacturing workforce. We thank JC Ford for choosing Columbia, and we look forward to building a partnership with the company in the years ahead.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe 

“JC Ford has been very impressed with the strong support that we have received from the local and regional communities to expand our operations to Columbia, Tennessee. We look forward to working with this high growth region and attracting the very best talent from the area’s strong manufacturing workforce. We are committed to accelerating our business over the next few years, providing high quality jobs to the region, and investing in the community.” – Scott Ruhe, President of JC Ford Company  

“It is exciting to see a company from California open new facilities in Maury County. With its strategic location, Maury County is quickly becoming a top choice for out-of-state companies looking to manufacture in a business-friendly environment. I welcome JC Ford and thank them for both their investment and the new job opportunities they are creating.” – Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles 

“Today’s announcement is another incredible win for Columbia– a well-established, and highly respected company creating over 200 new jobs and investing $30 million our region. On behalf of all of us at the City of Columbia, I welcome JC Ford and look forward to working with them as they further expand their company in our community. I would also like to thank Governor Lee, TNECD, TVA, our regional economic development partners and the Maury Alliance for their good work in bringing yet another economic development project to our city. Columbia is well positioned thanks to a robust economy, a skilled workforce and partnerships enjoyed at the state and regional levels. This project is a prime example.” – Columbia City Mayor Chaz Molder  

“TVA and Columbia Power & Water Systems congratulate JC Ford, Co. on its decision to locate operations in Maury County. Helping to foster new job creation in the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we are proud to partner with Maury Alliance and Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development 

“JC Ford’s investment in Columbia is great news for our area. We continue to see the job market strengthening in Maury County which is a tremendous boost to our local economy.   I congratulate Governor Lee and all state and local officials for their efforts in bringing these jobs home to our area.” – Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald) 

"JC Ford's $30 million investment is huge news for Maury County. Our community has experienced, and is continuing to experience, great economic growth because of Tennessee's commitment to being a business-friendly state. I appreciate our state and local partners for working to bring these high-quality jobs to our community." – Rep. Michael Curcio (R-Dickson) 

TNECD Media Contact
Molly Hair, Public Information Officer
(615) 878-0063
Molly.Hair@tn.gov   

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd

 

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