As commissioner for economic and community development in this great state, it’s my job to find lasting opportunities for growth and make them available to the members of our communities.
Tennessee’s commitment to innovation has put us at the forefront of today’s manufacturing renaissance. One of the more recent investments in our state comes from Sinomax – the largest producer of polyurethane foam bedding in China, which now has a facility in La Vergne, Tennessee.
We’re seeing a growing trend of companies reshoring production to the U.S., simply because it is more cost effective to produce and distribute products here. But to the members of these communities, this trend means so much more. While making it a goal to fill its workforce from the local crop of talent, Sinomax has committed to provide 350 La Vergne-area residents with high-quality, family-wage jobs.
I believe the U.S. manufacturing trend will not only continue, but also build momentum to become even more competitive in the years ahead. To stay competitive, we know that companies need a team of qualified workers who can excel in today’s manufacturing environment. Tennessee is fortunate to have an excellent governor who has truly become a pioneer in higher education. Because of initiatives like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, which offer all Tennesseans the chance to earn a postsecondary degree or certificate free of tuition and fees, our state leads the nation in developing and maintaining an educated, well-trained workforce.
We’re sending a clear message to employers about our commitment to building the highly-skilled workforce they need to face the future of manufacturing. And an investment in American jobs and manufacturing means we’re also providing our neighbors with an environment that creates a sustainable path into the future. We are grateful for companies like Sinomax that choose to invest in our state – and our people.