News

Star Manufacturing expands in Smithville, Tennessee

Oct. 17, 2008 — Star Manufacturing, which makes a variety of commercial cooking appliances that are distributed worldwide, will expand its manufacturing plant in Smithville, Tennessee. The expansion will bring more than 200 new jobs.

A division of the Middleby Corporation, Star will construct a new building on a 58-acre site near its current plant. "We hope to add another 100,000 to 200,000 square feet over the next several years," says Frank Ricchio, Star's president.

Star manufactures restaurant cooking appliances such as griddles, charbroilers, and convection ovens as well as products for concession stands, snack bars, and arenas.

Founded in 1921 and privately held since 1989, Star was bought in 2007 by Middleby Corporation of Chicago. Middleby has 19 different divisions that make food service and processing equipment.