MARYVILLE (WATE) – Officials announced Wednesday that a cooking technology company will make a $3.5 million investment in Blount County and add 40 jobs to the community.
Ceramaspeed has purchased the German company Isphording and will relocate it into the former Klote International Facility, a 55,000-square foot industrial building in Maryville. It will be in the Blount County Industrial Park, 1709 Henry G. Lane Street.
The company is a leading provider of electric radiant heating solutions for the glass ceramic appliance market.
Ceramaspeed will produce gas burners at the new facility and have the capability to produce parts for a variety of customers in the consumer and commercial appliance markets.
The company previously had a manufacturing facility on McArthur Road where more than 300 people were employed. Ceramaspeed made radiant heaters for the North American market from its former Alcoa facility until 2007. That's when production was moved to Monterrey, Mexico.
"Existing industry expansions are key to the future growth and sustainability of our state's economy. When an existing company like Ceramaspeed chooses Tennessee again, it is a testament to our state's strengths in advanced manufacturing, to our business-friendly climate and to our high quality workforce," said state Economic Commissioner Bill Hagerty in a press release.
"The Blount County area provides the skilled workforce and business climate for Ceramaspeed to engineer and manufacture products that compete in today's global market," said Ceramaspeed Vice President and General Manager David Kidd.
"We are extremely excited about Ceramaspeed expanding its operation in Blount County," said Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell. "This type of enlargement is really a plus to this area and its investment speaks to the commitment to the growth of the county as an area for economic development."
"This is part of the ongoing plan to continue to bring new businesses and investment into Blount County," said Blount Partnership President and CEO Bryan Daniels.
"We've seen 1,300 jobs and more than $112 million in capital investment over the past 20 months. I think that speaks volumes about the community and relationship among the local governments in their commitment to be on the forefront of economic development, recruitment and the worth of the Blount Partnership," Daniels added.
The new facility will create 40 manufacturing and management positions. Hiring will begin in the first quarter of 2013.
If you're interested in a position, email Ceramaspeed at: customerservice@ceramaspeed.com.
