3M news on Clinton expansion of manufacturing leads this week’s news roundup
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a roundup of business news from throughout the Knoxville region. If you have some business news that you would like to be included in Teknovation Weekend, please email us at news@teknovation.biz.)
3M to expand manufacturing operations in Clinton
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Bob Rolfe, and 3M Company officials announced today the company will invest approximately $470 million and add around 600 new jobs by 2025 as it expands manufacturing operations in East Tennessee. The additional investments and jobs will help 3M increase capacity and reduce manufacturing cycle time to be more responsive to growing consumer demand, according to a news release. “The talented people in East Tennessee, the partnership from the state government, and the flexibility of our manufacturing facility create an ideal environment for additional investment in Clinton,” said Mike Roman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 3M. “The continued demand for innovative new 3M products, especially for home improvement, makes us optimistic about our growth in Clinton.” Read the full release here.
PetWellClinic surpasses 100 units in development nationwide
Knoxville-based PetWellClinic announced earlier this month that it currently has 111 units in development. The company operates walk-in pet wellness franchises. Ten of those franchises are located outside of Tennessee, in Florida, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its second-largest market is in Phoenix, Arizona. Read more in this news release.
Roane State student helps teach famous talking bird at Zoo Knoxville
Roane State Community College student Kinsley Cagle has been helping to teach “Einstein,” an African grey parrot at Zoo Knoxville. Videos of the parrot mimicking other animal calls and speaking complete sentences have gone viral on YouTube. One of Cagle’s latest training endeavors involves teaching a species of duck called hooded mergansers to voluntarily waddle into a crate for safe, secure transport. Kingsley started as a part-time volunteer at the zoo before moving into a full-time position. She began attending online classes at Roane State last January. Read more about her interest in this Roane State news release (RSCC Student_Knox Zoo).
Commonwealth Hotels acquires Aloft Knoxville West
Earlier this month, Commonwealth Hotels announced its acquisition of Aloft Knoxville West, it is the company’s first property in Tennessee. “It is an exciting time to enter the Knoxville market,” said Jennifer Porter, Chief Operations Officer of Commonwealth Hotels. “Our goal will be to continue the hotel’s tradition of offering exceptional hospitality in a prime location.” Read more here in this news release.
New Hires and Promotions
The Christman Company promoted Marty Gibbs to Senior Vice President and General Manager of construction management and real estate development of the firm’s Knoxville office. Gibbs has worked in construction management since 1998. “In a region where the depth of your relationships is critical to success, Marty Gibbs shines,” Christman President and CEO Steve Roznowski said. “His ability to lead among leaders makes him an asset to any collaboration. Recently promoted to senior vice president and general manager in Knoxville, Marty is focused on the power of partnerships, the strength of community, and the delivery of Christman’s commitments.”
The Trust Company of Tennessee has hired Lauren Harvey as an Operations System Analyst. “Lauren’s experience with recordkeeping systems will allow us to integrate our operations and provide our clients with information to help them reach financial goals,” said Daniel Carter, President of The Trust Company of Tennessee. She will work remotely for the firm.
