LAWRENCEBURG, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Craig Manufacturing Ltd. officials announced today that the company will establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Lawrenceburg.
Craig Manufacturing plans to invest nearly $6.4 million and create 80 jobs in Lawrence County during the next five years.
“I’m pleased Craig Manufacturing, a third-generation, family-owned business, has picked Lawrence County, Tennessee as the home of its U.S. operations,” Rolfe said. “Because of exceptional international businesses like Craig Manufacturing, Tennessee continues to be a leading state for foreign direct investment. Craig Manufacturing will be a tremendous addition to Lawrence County and we are grateful that it will bring high quality jobs to this thriving community.”
Craig Manufacturing will locate operations in the 60,000-square-foot spec building in Team Lawrence Commerce Park, a Select Tennessee Certified Site. The company will add approximately 7,500 square feet of office space for its U.S. corporate offices. Craig Manufacturing anticipates its Lawrence County facility will be fully operational in the second quarter of 2019.
Founded in 1946, Craig Manufacturing produces steel attachments for heavy construction, forestry, mining, energy and utility equipment. Headquartered in New Brunswick, Canada, Craig Manufacturing also has operations in Alberta and Ontario. The company supplies directly to original equipment manufacturers and their regional dealer networks.
“Lawrenceburg, Tennessee is a natural fit for the establishment of our first U.S. manufacturing facility,” John Craig, CEO of Craig Manufacturing, said. “Lawrence County and Lawrenceburg have a lot to offer that meet our needs: central U.S. location with great transportation links, proven suppliers, shared community values, a spec building ready to go that was ideal in size to meet our manufacturing needs, and a property that offers room for future growth. All of us at Craig Manufacturing are excited and proud to be part of the community of Lawrenceburg.”
“I am happy to return to the U.S. and be part of a community that has a genuine interest in providing new and exciting career paths for its residents,” Les Harding, vice president of USA Manufacturing for Craig Manufacturing, said. “My wife Shannon and I are excited to be part of Lawrence County. We believe that Southern hospitality is alive and well in Lawrenceburg.”
Local officials and the Tennessee Valley Authority applauded Craig Manufacturing for its investment in Lawrenceburg.
“Lawrenceburg continues to grow,” Lawrenceburg Mayor Keith Durham said. “This is the second national headquarters to locate in Lawrenceburg since 2016. The significance of Craig Manufacturing’s investment in our community and the opportunities it will provide for the citizens of our region cannot be overstated. I am proud to welcome another quality company and more quality jobs to Lawrenceburg.”
“From day one, it was evident that Craig Manufacturing and Lawrence County would form a successful partnership,” Lawrence County Executive T.R. Williams said. “I am excited to welcome Craig Manufacturing to our community and look forward to growing together.”
“TVA and Lawrenceburg Utility Systems congratulate Craig Manufacturing on its decision to locate in Lawrence County”, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “Helping to attract and retain jobs to the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we are proud to partner with Lawrenceburg County Chamber and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission.”
Launched in 2012, TNECD’s Select Tennessee Certified Sites program helps communities prepare industrial sites for private investment and job creation. To date, businesses have committed to invest more than $1.5 billion and create 6,600 jobs across 15 projects on Select Tennessee Certified Sites.
Lawrence and Lawrence County are represented by Sen. Joey Hensley (R – Hohenwald), Rep. David Byrd (R – Waynesboro) and Rep. Barry Doss (R – Leoma) in the Tennessee General Assembly.
