Parkdale is expanding, bringing new jobs to county

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with Parkdale Mills officials announced today the company will invest $120 million to expand its Mountain City operations making it the company’s largest ring spinning installation. In order to accommodate the expansion, Parkdale Mills will increase its existing footprint to include an additional 222,158 square feet and create 80 new jobs in Johnson County.
“Parkdale Mills is the largest manufacturer in Johnson County, and today’s announcement is a tremendous uplift for the area’s citizens and its outstanding workforce,” Boyd said. “This is great news for Mountain City, and we’re thankful to Parkdale Mills for choosing to further invest in our state and create more jobs for Tennesseans.”
“Parkdale Mills is grateful for the opportunity that has been provided by the state of Tennessee and Johnson County to further invest in our future,” Parkdale Mills President Charles Heilig said. “Our associates deserve this opportunity to create another world class operation that fits within Parkdale’s manufacturing footprint. This project will near its completion on our company’s hundredth birthday, and we could not imagine a better community to celebrate this milestone with.”
Parkdale Mills’ Mountain City location primarily produces yarn used for outerwear, innerwear and t-shirts. The expansion will include replacing all existing manufacturing equipment and increasing the facility size. Construction will begin immediately with plans for new technology and equipment to be installed in July 2015.
“This is outstanding news. Tennessee continues to prove it is the best state in the nation to own and operate a business,” Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey said. “I am proud that Parkdale recognizes the excellence of the workforce in Johnson County and has chosen to expand and grow in Mountain City.”
“This is a very exciting announcement for Johnson County. In today’s competitive business environment, it really protects the more than 300 jobs Parkdale currently provides for our citizens,” Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter said. “An investment of this size means so much to the community and is a true reflection of the work ethic displayed by Parkdale’s current workforce. I’m thankful to the company and look forward to its continued growth in Johnson County.”
According to Karla Prudhomme, Economic Director for Johnson County, Mayor Larry Potter played an integral part in the ultimate decision by Parkdale. “At the helm was County Mayor Larry Potter, whose diligence and unwavering dedication made possible this tremendous outcome for Johnson County and for the employees of Parkdale. The staff and employees of our local Parkdale facility worked tirelessly toward this positive outcome, signifying how teamwork and cooperation can result in desired and positive results.”
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