By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Huntingdon, Tenn.–“This is a big day for Carroll County and the state of Tennessee,” Governor Bill Lee said today as state officials announced that the Hydro-Gear power drive systems manufacturer will locate its fourth U.S. location in Huntingdon.
Gov. Lee said that will mean 375 new jobs and a $10M investment for Carroll County and the area. “And these are high paying jobs,” the governor said, noting the importance that rural Tennessee plays in the state.
There was a full house at The Dixie Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon as the announcement was made. Governor Lee’s remarks drew two standing ovations from the packed house, which included local, regional and state officials and Carroll County residents.
“What happens in rural Tennessee matters to every Tennessean,” Gov. Lee said, noting that his rural business background has been a driving factor in insuring rural Tennessee develops these major manufacturing opportunities. He said one of the priorities of his administration is the development of vocational education and skilled work forces.
“When you develop a skilled work force, you provide for the next generation of workers,” the governor said. “And when you have a company like this coming into your community, it changes peoples’ lives.”
Hydro-Gear President and CEO Ray Hauser said the company expects to be ready for production in September of this year.
The Hydro-Gear company will be locating its manufacturing facility in the Huntingdon Industrial Park South.
“Hydro-Gear has a 30-year history of providing the safest and most reliable drive systems to our customers. We are excited to announce this expansion of our business to Tennessee,” Hauser said. The company also has a corporate office in Williamson County and Hauser’s office is located in Franklin.
Hauser said, “We didn’t expect this kind of a turnout. We’re a relatively low profile company. We’re excited that Huntingdon supports our vision for the future of Hydro-Gear.” Job recruitment will begin almost immediately, Hauser said.
Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe said, “These 375 new jobs will place Hydro-Gear as one of the top three employers in Carroll County, and we are thankful to everyone who played a role in bringing this successful company to Tennessee.”
Huntingdon Mayor Dale Kelley is ailing in the hospital and could not be there for the announcement, but said in a statement: “In 2004, we looked to the future and decided to take a considerable risk and build an 84,000-square-foot spec building. Today we acknowledge that the risk we took has paid off and that landing a company like Hydro-Gear with 375 new jobs has made the wait worthwhile. Thank you to the Carroll County Government, Mayor Joseph Butler, Chamber of Commerce President Brad Hurley and TDOT for their efforts.”
Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler welcomed everyone and thanked the state and local officials for their hard work and Hydro-Gear “for your great investment to our community.”
Also speaking was Carroll County Chamber Director Brad Hurley and other Hydro-Gear officials. Also on hand for the announcement were neighboring County Mayors including Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway and Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum, District Attorney Matt Stowe, USDA official Joel Howard, and former State Rep. Andy Holt, who is now with the State Department of Agriculture.
Hydro-Gear was founded 30 years ago in Sullivan, Illinois as a joint venture with the initial focus of producing transmissions for outdoor power equipment manufacturers. Today, the company designs and manufactures precision drives including hydrostatic transmissions, transaxles, gear reduction drives, displacement pumps, wheel motors and electric drive systems for various markets.
Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 10 economic development projects in Carroll County, resulting in approximately 850 job commitments and roughly $500 million in capital investment.
Governor Lee with state and local officials at today’s announcement.
Top photo: Governor Lee, right, speaks with State Sen. John Stevens and Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin