Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, alongside Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, announced Vulcan Thermal’s plans to construct a $5 million manufacturing facility in Surgoinsville, Tennessee. This move marks a significant expansion for the Pennsylvania-based heat treatment company into Northeast Tennessee, promising to create approximately 30 new jobs in the Tier 4, At-Risk Hawkins County.
Located at 390 Phipps Bend Road, the new 15,000-square-foot facility will bolster Vulcan Thermal’s position in the metal industry, providing essential heat treating services. Vulcan Thermal operates as a subsidiary of EHT, Inc., a company with roots dating back to 1984 in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. EHT, Inc. is known for offering a range of services, including heat treatment, steam treatment, vibratory finishing, inspection, packaging, and related services, mainly to the automotive and agricultural sectors.
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This development is expected to expand Vulcan Thermal’s workforce to nearly 100 employees across Pennsylvania and Tennessee. It also contributes to Tennessee’s growing economic landscape, especially in the Northeast region where, since 2020, TNECD has facilitated nearly 40 projects, resulting in around 3,400 job commitments and $1 billion in capital investment.
Governor Lee expressed gratitude towards Vulcan Thermal for their investment, highlighting the importance of job creation in rural Tennessee. Commissioner McWhorter echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Tennessee’s conducive business environment and skilled workforce. Benjamin Vrobel, president of Vulcan Thermal, LLC, praised the cooperation from state and local officials and the supportive community, which influenced their decision to invest in Hawkins County.
Support from other organizations was also acknowledged, with John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development, expressing TVA’s commitment to economic development in the region. Hawkins County Mayor Mark DeWitte and Larry Elkins, chairman of the Hawkins County Industrial Development Board, both welcomed Vulcan Thermal, noting the potential for further economic growth and the unique heat treatment process Vulcan Thermal will introduce to East Tennessee.
Statements from Senator Jon Lundberg and Representative Gary Hicks highlighted the regional enthusiasm for Vulcan Thermal’s decision to establish operations in Hawkins County, underscoring the expected positive impact on the local economy.
For more information about the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, visit tnecd.com and follow their updates on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
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