CLINTON, Tenn. — Manufacturing giant 3M said it plans to expand operations at its Clinton plant in the next several years, adding about 600 jobs, the state announced Thursday morning.
The Minnesota-based international corporation will spend money expanding two product lines: the Filtrete air filter and the Command adhesive strip. It operates a plant at Eagle Bend Industrial Park at 400 J.D. Yarnell Industrial Parkway.
The move represents an approximate $470 million investment, according to the announcement by the state Department of Economic and Community Development and Governor Bill Lee's office.
"We're very, very excited about this," said Tennessee ECD Deputy Commissioner Allen Borden. "To have a great workforce, you need a great place to live and the greater Knoxville region does a tremendous job of that."
The plan is to add the jobs by 2025, according to the state.
"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 the state's announcement.
Among 3M's best-known consumer brands are the Scotch and Post-it line of products.
According to Clinton Mayor Scott Burton, the city's workforce is around 5,000 to 6,000 people. When asked whether Clinton has 600 people to fill the new jobs, Burton said it did not.
Instead, he said Clinton pulls workers from Scott County, Knox County, Campbell County and other surrounding counties.
"This is definitely a regional and probably a multi-state operation," said Anderson County Chamber of Commerce President Rick Meredith. "State tax, property tax, they'll come and live here. It's a huge economic impact to Anderson County."
Lee and Economic Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe thanked 3M in prepared remarks Thursday on its plans to expand.
“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. The continued demand for innovative new 3M products, especially for home improvement, makes us optimistic about our growth in Clinton," said Mike Roman, the chairman of the company, in a prepared statement.