The economic landscape of Surgoinsville, Tennessee, is set for a boost with the latest announcement that Vulcan Thermal is establishing a new manufacturing operation in the region. The company, a subsidiary of EHT, Inc., will invest $5 million in the construction of a 15,000-square-foot facility at 390 Phipps Bend Road, with plans to hire around 30 people from the local workforce.
According to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, this investment is significant for rural Tennessee and Hawkins County, which is designated as Tier 4, At-Risk. In a statement obtained by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Lee said, "What happens in rural Tennessee matters to all Tennesseans. I thank Vulcan Thermal for bringing nearly thirty new, high-quality jobs and creating greater opportunity for families in Hawkins County." Meanwhile, Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter highlighted Vulcan Thermal's decision as reflective of Tennessee's robust business environment and capable workers.
Vulcan Thermal, headquartered in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, specializes in a range of services necessary for industries like automotive and agriculture, including heat treating, steam treatment, and vibratory finishing. "I am confident that Vulcan Thermal has chosen the best place to position for continued success," said Benjamin Vrobel, president of Vulcan Thermal, to the Department of Economic and Community Development. The company is anticipated to bring on nearly 100 employees across its Pennsylvania and Tennessee locations upon completion of the Surgoinsville site.
The significance of this development is underscored by recent economic trends in the area. Since 2020, TNECD reports nearly 40 economic development projects – resulting in approximately 3,400 job commitments and $1 billion in capital investment in the Northeast Tennessee region. "Vulcan Thermal will be a great addition to the Phipps Bend Industrial Park in Hawkins County," said Hawkins County Mayor Mark DeWitte in the Department of Economic and Community Development, praising the Industrial Development Board's efforts for their role in this and several upcoming ventures. Hawkins County's ability to attract companies like Vulcan Thermal, according to Larry Elkins, chairman of the Hawkins County Industrial Development Board, affirms the county as a place desirable for industries requiring specialized heat treatment processes.
Political support for this initiative extends to state representatives, with Sen. Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) and Rep. Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville) expressing their enthusiasm for Vulcan Thermal's commitment to the region. Hicks praised the job creation and the company's addition to the thriving business community in his public statement, "It’s always great news to hear a company is moving to our region. Vulcan Thermal will bring more than two dozen jobs and be a great addition to Hawkins County’s thriving business community."
With today's job market and economic pressures, the establishment of Vulcan Thermal's new facility poses a beacon of growth for Surgoinsville, in both job creation and potential for further industrial development.
