The Highlands Group to Open New Facility in Elizabethton

Plastics Recycling Company to Create 34 Jobs in Carter County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty and The Highlands Group today announced plans to open a facility in Elizabethton, Tenn. at 200 Smoky Mountain Way. The plastics recycling company will create 34 manufacturing jobs at this new location in Carter County.

“I appreciate The Highlands Group’s decision to open an additional facility in Tennessee and further invest in our state,” Bill Hagerty, commissioner, ECD, said. “Our department will continue to work towards Governor Haslam’s goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

The Highlands Group is a well-established plastics recycler. Founded in 1988, the company is headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C. with a production facility in Johnson City, Tenn. The new Elizabethton facility will be able to accommodate large machinery purchased for the additional high volume of used plastics that the Johnson City facility was unable to house.

“After continual success and growth at our Johnson City, Tenn. facility, we made the decision to open an additional facility,” Jeff Wade, owner, The Highlands Group, said. “We decided to stay in East Tennessee, because of our long time employees, transportation and the building that could accommodate the large equipment and ability for future expansion.”

"I was excited to work with The Highlands Group to bring a new industry and jobs to Carter County,” Tom Anderson, president, Carter County Tomorrow Economic Development Partnership, said. “I look forward to their success and to working with them again in future expansion projects."

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