Tomcat USA to Open Facility in Knoxville
Concert Lighting Equipment Manufacturer to Invest $2 Million, Create 50 Jobs in Knox County
NASHVILLE –Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Knox County officials today welcome Tomcat USA to Knoxville, Tenn. The company plans to open a manufacturing facility at 5427 North National Drive in Knox County’s Forks of the River Industrial Park. The announcement represents an investment of $2 million and the creation of 50 jobs.
“On behalf of Governor Haslam, I would like to welcome Tomcat USA to Tennessee,” Hagerty said. “The company’s decision to locate in Knox County is great for the region, and we appreciate their investment in our state.”
Tomcat USA, a member of the Milos Group, manufactures engineered structural trussing systems, and distributes CM Chain Hoists primarily for use in the entertainment industry. The Milos Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminum truss with facilities in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, China and now Knoxville, Tenn.
“I am looking forward to having the Tomcat facility located in Knoxville and to continue growing the business with the exceptional workforce we have in this area,” Mike Garl, president, Tomcat USA, said. “I would also like to thank the Knoxville Chamber and the state of Tennessee for working with us in our site location efforts during the past 18 months. Their efforts have been tremendously helpful during this process.”
“I’m pleased that Tomcat has decided to land in Knox County,” Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said. “Every job is important, and the addition of 50 new manufacturing jobs over the next few years is another step toward getting Knox County out of this recession.”
“I’d like to welcome Tomcat USA, and their high quality manufacturing jobs to the Knoxville Oak Ridge Innovation Valley,” Doug Lawyer, vice president of Economic Development, Knoxville Chamber, said. “Their new location will offer them easy access to our region’s transportation network and strong workforce.”
Also assisting the site selection process were Frank Weiskopf with Realty Executives, who represented Tomcat USA, and Bob Thornton with Baker Realty, who represented the building owners.
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. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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Media Contact: Shannon Sumrall, ECD
Office: (615) 253-4897
E-mail: shannon.sumrall@tn.gov
Contact: Doug Lawyer, Knoxville Chamber
Office: (865) 246-2645
E-mail: dlawyer@knoxvillechamber.com