News
Manufacturer's Expansion Brings 100 New Jobs to Portland, Tenn.
Manufacturer Food Warming Equipment Co. Inc. (FWE) has announced plans to expand its operations in Portland, Tenn. FWE, a worldwide supplier of mobile heated, refrigerated and transport food service units, has added two buildings to its Sumner County operations, building one new facility and purchasing an existing 161,000-sq.-foot structure.
The expanded operation, based about 30 minutes north of Nashville, is projected to create more than 100 new jobs for residents and transferees to the area. FWE expects the expansion to boost the quality and quantity of several product lines, support its customer base, and facilitate future growth.
FWE President and COO Deron Lichte said he was impressed by the quality of the Tennessee economic development team’s performance, assistance and seriousness. All parties worked closely with FWE to demonstrate the advantages of manufacturing investment in middle Tennessee. “These types of meetings showed forward thinking, a strong commitment in key positions, and illustrated support for U.S. manufacturing jobs,” Lichte said, “all key to the decision-making process.”
Jeff Hite, with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Jerome Terrell, project manager of TVA Economic Development, were among those mentioned as key contacts in helping FWE reach its decision. Lichte said, “Their recruiting efforts took a holistic approach to our needs by researching who we are, where we are, what it is that we do currently and what our future goals where that needed to be addressed. They went to great effort to accommodate and assist in locating a facility that would meet or surpass our needs.”
Margot Fasnes, president and CEO of the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce in neighboring Robertson County, welcomed FWE to the region. “Their capital investment and job creation will add another dimension to a diversified manufacturing base along the I-65 corridor."