Cumberland County readies for Durable Products’ expansion
This expansion will create more than 130 jobs and invest nearly $30 million in the area.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced the expansion on Feb. 25. The expansion involves renovating one of the company’s current facilities in Cumberland County.
Founded in 1982 in Crossville, Durable Products is known for its manufacturing capabilities. From compression molding and rubber extrusions to die cutting and raw material processing, they are rubber and polyurethane processing experts.
Durable Products is a division of Texas-based GreenLiner, LLC. They supply truck bed mats for foreign and domestic automakers. GreenLiner will spearhead the expansion of Durable Products’ current operations to allow for new machinery, warehousing, inventory and offices.
Rural Economic Development Trends
This investment serves as evidence that even Tennessee’s rural areas are becoming economic development hubs. Tennessee uses the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) index-based economic classification system to track progress in rural communities. The system analyzes rural county averages for unemployment, income and poverty rate to national averages.
Under this system, Cumberland County is classified as “transitioning.” While the county has made great strides to improve its standing, some of its areas remain in distress. The expansion of quality companies like Durable Products helps move this needle in a positive direction.
“Today’s announcement underscores what we already know: The Volunteer State is committed to ensuring every Tennessean living in a rural community can thrive,” said Lee.
What’s Next for the Upper Cumberland
Cumberland County is on track for strong economic momentum in 2026.
In late 2025, TNECD awarded the county a $4.8 million grant for an industrial spec building. The strategy is that with this investment, manufacturing and distribution jobs will follow.
Plus, nearly four years after the Crossville Buc-ee’s opened, visitation is still going strong. Beyond being a favorite travel stop, its fandom supports the county’s top logistical accessibility. This is an invaluable factor for business recruitment and long-term retention as the Upper Cumberland continues to develop.
State leadership is committed to being a continuous partner for businesses interested in rural counties. By supporting such companies, TNECD and the Governor’s Office are working toward the shared goal of improving the ARC status for all of Tennessee’s rural communities.
“This was a highly competitive project, and we’re grateful that Durable Products continues to recognize our efforts to build a strong, business-friendly climate and a ready, capable workforce. We look forward to supporting the company following today’s announcement and are confident this project will make a lasting impact on the Upper Cumberland region for years to come,” said McWhorter.
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