(NASHVILLE, TN), January 19, 2012  --  “I am very pleased that these jobs are coming to Hawkins County,” said Senator Mike Faulk.  “I congratulate Ware Manufacturing and all our state and local officials who helped secure these jobs.  We will continue to make job creation our top priority.”

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The text of the release from Governor Haslam is below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2012                                                                    Media Contact:  Shannon Sumrall, ECD
                                                                                                Office: (615) 253-4897
                                                                                                E-mail:  shannon.sumrall@tn.gov

GOVERNOR HASLAM, COMMISSIONER HAGERTY ANNOUNCE
EXPANSION OF WARE MANUFACTURING
Pet Products Manufacturer to Create 33 New Jobs in Hawkins County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty today joined with local officials and Ware Manufacturing, Inc. representatives to announce the company’s decision to expand its Surgoinsville facility. The expansion represents an investment of nearly $1.4 million and the creation of 33 manufacturing jobs in Hawkins County.

“I am encouraged to see companies continue to expand and grow in Tennessee, and I am certain it is because of the skilled, available workforce and business-friendly environment we have here in our state,” Haslam said.  “Expansions like this bring us one step closer to our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

“Gov. Haslam’s Jobs4TN economic development plan calls for our department to focus on the expansion of existing businesses within the state as job creators,” Hagerty said. “Ware Manufacturing, Inc.’s decision to expand in Tennessee underscores the fact that we have the right strategies in place, and I appreciate the company’s expanded investment in our state.”

Ware Manufacturing, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of pet products with facilities in Surgoinsville, Tenn. and Phoenix, Ariz.  The company’s Surgoinsville facility is located in the Phipps Bend Industrial Park.

“Ware Manufacturing, Inc. is pleased to announce this additional investment in our Surgoinsville, Tenn. facility,” Stephen Ware, president, Ware Manufacturing, Inc., said.  “We recognize and appreciate the hard work and efforts of our employees and look forward to continual success in Tennessee.”

"It is great to see Ware Manufacturing, Inc.’s business growing,” Lynn Lawson, industrial developer for Hawkins County, said.  “The expansion will give the company additional manufacturing and inventory space to accommodate its growth. The additional employment is a big plus for Hawkins County and the area in general."

“We have worked with the principals at Ware Manufacturing, Inc. for the past few months, and I was pleased when the decision was made to expand their business here at Phipps Bend Industrial Park,” Larry Elkins, chairman, Hawkins County Industrial Development Board, said.  “Speaking on behalf of both the Hawkins County Industrial Board and the Phipps Bend Joint Venture, this represents our continuing efforts to not only attract new industrial prospects to the area, but to foster growth and expansion of established industries as well.”

“TVA is pleased to be a partner with the state of Tennessee and local community economic development leaders to assist Ware Manufacturing, Inc. as their company expands and add jobs,” John Bradley, senior vice president of Economic Development, Tennessee Valley Authority, said.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.

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