Hawkins plant to add 33 jobs with $1.4 million expansion
PHIPPS BEND — A $1.4 million expansion of the Ware Manufacturing plant in Hawkins County is expected to include the addition of 33 new manufacturing jobs.
In August, the Hawkins County Industrial Development Board approved the sale of 1.5 acres to Ware Manufacturing behind the pet product manufacturer’s existing plant at the Phipps Bend Industrial Park.
That property will make room for an expansion that will increase the existing 107,000-square-foot facility by an additional 42,500 square feet.
Ware specializes in manufacturing products for dogs, cats, small animals and birds — including chickens.
Among the retailers that sell Ware products are PetSmart, Petco and Tractor Supply.
Ware’s Phipps Bend plant reportedly added 16 jobs in 2011 for a total of 91.
On Thursday, Gov. Bill Haslam, state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty and Ware Manufacturing Inc. formally announced the $1.4 million expansion at Phipps Bend, as well as the creation of 33 new manufacturing jobs in Hawkins County.
Ware is the fourth Phipps Bend industry to announce an expansion in the past two years.
“I am encouraged to see companies continue to expand and grow in Tennessee, and I am certain it is because of the skilled, available work force and business-friendly environment we have here in our state,” Haslam said in a press release. “Expansions like this bring us one step closer to our goal of becoming the number one location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs.”
Haslam’s Jobs4TN economic development plan focuses on the expansion of existing businesses within the state as job creators.
“Ware Manufacturing Inc.’s decision to expand in Tennessee underscores the fact that we have the right strategies in place, and I appreciate the company’s expanded investment in our state,” said Hagerty.
Aside from Phipps Bend, Ware Manufacturing has a manufacturing and distribution facility in Phoenix.
Hawkins County Industrial Developer Lynn Lawson said the expansion will give the company additional manufacturing and inventory space to accommodate its growth.
“The additional employment is a big plus for Hawkins County and the area in general,” Lawson added.
The real estate for the project was sold to Ware for $12,500 per acre, or $18,750 overall.
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