Eastman Chemical Company broke ground Tuesday on the future site of the company's new Corporate Business Center at their headquarters in Kingsport.
The new building, which is part of a $1.6 billion dollar, seven year investment in East Tennessee, will feature sustainable design elements and products made by the company. It will include a cafeteria and dining area, customer meeting space, and a fitness center. Also as part of the new construction are employee and visitor parking and an enclosed walkway across Wilcox Drive connecting the corporate campus.
The new building is expected to be completed in 2015.
"Our new Corporate Business Center is a tangible example of the growth that we have envisioned for Eastman, and that our employees have worked hard to achieve," said Jim Rogers, Chairman and CEO. "It is also a clear demonstration of Eastman's commitment to this region and to a sustainable future for our company."
"Eastman has been an integral part to this region's and the state's economy for nearly 100 years, and I want to congratulate and thank Eastman and its employees for all of their work that makes a day like today possible," Gov. Bill Haslam said. "I look forward to watching this global company continue to grow and thrive right here in Northeast Tennessee."
Eastman President and CEO-designate Mark Costa added, "The building will not only give us the space we need to grow, but it will allow us to bring employees from across the Kingsport site together to establish a work environment that will improve productivity and better facilitate innovation and collaboration."
Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey commented, "It is great to be a part of this day and I am extremely pleased that Eastman has decided to expand its corporate office in Kingsport. Clearly, Eastman recognizes that Tennessee is a great place to do business and we look forward to working with them to help grow their business even more in the years to come."
