SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — Sevier County leaders said Thursday they were disappointed to hear that Tenneco, an auto parts manufacturer with facilities across the globe, would soon stop operations in Sevier County.
Its Sevier County location is located near Sevierville. Leaders said the company has been a part of the local business community since the early 1980s, and ceasing operations would impact more than 170 workers.
"This news is incredibly disappointing for our community. Tenneco has been a staple in Sevier County for decades, and our thoughts are with the more than 170 employees and their families who are impacted by their decision," said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters in a release. "Our main priority now is to ensure that those affected have the support they need."
Federal law requires large employers to notify workers if they plan to lay off several people at once, such as during plant closures. It also requires employers to give workers appropriate arrangements for a new job or retraining.
The law also allows employers to bring Rapid Response resources on-site, helping workers find income and minimize disruptions to their lives. Teams can show workers information about health insurance, access to skills upgrading resources and more.
“I hope the rumor that Tenneco is moving these jobs outside of the U.S. is not true. If it is, then this would be a devastating blow not only to Sevier County but to our nation as a whole. If Tenneco is indeed planning to move these jobs abroad, I would strongly urge the company's leadership to reconsider, as doing so would not be the patriotic thing to do," Waters said in a release. “We are eagerly awaiting additional information on how Tenneco plans to assist their employees and families, and the County stands ready to provide further assistance to them.”