Exciting News for Chattanooga: Avail Enclosure Systems to Expand Workforce
Chattanooga, brace yourselves for some fantastic news! A local company, Avail Enclosure Systems, is making waves with an impressive expansion plan that aims to create 82 new jobs and over $10 million in investments right here in our community. This investment comes from their Polymer Road site, and it’s stirring excitement for both job seekers and the local economy.
More Jobs and Opportunities Ahead
Currently, Avail Enclosure Systems employs about 117 people, with an additional 41 contract workers, and they are looking to significantly boost that number. According to a document from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the expansion will come from acquiring additional property adjacent to their manufacturing facility. This move will allow them to reposition their product finishing operations and create even more space for their existing operations.
High Skills, High Demand
Shawn Kilmartin, the plant’s general manager, shared that the company is on the lookout for a skilled workforce. “It’s all skilled trades that work for us,” he explained in a recent conversation. “We develop and hire electricians, welders, and industrial painters. It’s not a typical manufacturing plant. This is trade work.” According to their internal documents, the average annual wage for these positions is around $58,639, which is pretty competitive!
Good Business, Great Demand
Why the expansion, you ask? Kilmartin explained, “Business is very good for us.” The company works with power distributors, data centers, and the oil and gas sector, which means they’re busy keeping up with an ever-growing demand in the market.
Community Support and Incentives
The local government is supporting this project by considering financial incentives for the company through the high-growth jobs and investment program. The Hamilton County Commission is expected to discuss this during their upcoming meeting. The state is also likely to jump in with incentives to help facilitate this growth.
Local Leaders Excited About the Growth
Even Governor Bill Lee expressed his enthusiasm about Avail’s plans, stating, “The state with the workers will be the state that wins the future, and today’s announcement will create greater opportunity for our highly skilled workforce in Hamilton County.” Additionally, Stuart McWhorter, the commissioner of the state department of economic and community development, highlighted Chattanooga’s prime location for supporting various industries, making it an ideal spot for business growth.
A Commitment to Chattanooga
Jeremy Hoffman, president and chief operating officer of Avail Electrical Products Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to the local area. He stated, “Our success in Chattanooga, along with the reputation and expertise of our team, makes this financial investment possible.” He assured residents that Avail plans to stay and continue investing in Chattanooga, reflecting the local sentiment echoed by Kilmartin himself. “I’ve never worked with a better workforce than Chattanooga,” he remarked, showcasing a sincere appreciation for the community.
The Future Looks Bright
As the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce works on its five-year goals, strengthening the manufacturing base in the region stands out as a priority. Avail Enclosure Systems, as part of this vibrant community, is sure to play a significant role in that vision for the future.
With so much positive energy surrounding this expansion, it’s clear that Chattanooga is on the brink of something special. Stay tuned, because more exciting developments are on the way!
