Composites manufacturer to invest $32.2 million, create 50 new jobs

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd and Teknor Apex officials announced today that the company will expand in Brownsville. Teknor Apex will invest $32.2 million and create 50 new jobs in Haywood County.

“Teknor Apex is Haywood County’s largest employer and it has been crucial part of the community’s economic success for nearly five decades,” Boyd said. “Its decision to further invest in Haywood County is a strong vote of confidence in the advantages Brownsville and Tennessee offer global companies – a skilled workforce, ready access to global markets and business climate that enables innovation and growth. On behalf of Team Tennessee, I’d like to thank Teknor Apex for choosing to create 50 new jobs and investing in both Haywood County and its residents.”

Teknor Apex plans to build a 200,000-square-foot distribution facility in the Brownsville-Haywood County Industrial Park. The expansion will allow Teknor Apex to grow the manufacturing units within its existing plant.

Teknor Apex is one of the world’s leading custom producers of compounds, composites and plastics. It currently manufacturers products for four divisions at its 1-million-square-foot Brownsville facility: nylon, vinyl, chemical and garden hoses. Teknor Apex’s compounds are used in various applications, ranging from wire and cable products to automotive, medical, consumer and industrial products.

“Teknor Apex is grateful to Haywood County, the City of Brownsville and the State of Tennessee for their continued support as we continue to invest in our shared future,” Rob Lincer, general manager of Teknor Apex in Brownsville, said. “We made a commitment to this facility and community almost 50 years ago and are proud to see it continue to grow. We are equally as proud of our employees, both present and past, that have made it possible.”

Teknor Apex is headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and has 20 facilities across the world. The company first established operations in Brownsville in 1971. Teknor Apex has continued to grow since locating in Brownsville, recently surpassing 600 employees with new hires over the past year.

Local officials applauded Teknor Apex for its decision to expand further in Haywood County.

“On behalf of the City of Brownsville, we are proud of the team effort to stimulate job creation and economic development through the expansion of Teknor Apex and its facilities,” Brownsville Mayor William D. Rawls, Jr. said. “As we recruit new industry, it is imperative that we sustain our existing industry by offering means of support.”

Brownsville and Haywood County are represented by Sen. Dolores Gresham (R – Somerville) and Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (D – Ripley) in the Tennessee General Assembly.

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 Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: TNECD.com. Follow us on Twitter: @TNECD. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TNECD.