Governor, Commissioner Hagerty, Lauderdale County Welcome Quaprotek to Ripley
Auto Supplier to Invest $22 Million, Create 126 New Jobs Over Five Years
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty today joined with Lauderdale County officials in announcing the decision by Quaprotek USA to locate a manufacturing facility for the production of metal parts for vehicles, engines and power trains in Ripley, Tenn. The German-based company will invest $22 million to fit out a 63,000 square foot existing building on Highland Street in Ripley, creating 126 jobs over a five year period to supply leading manufacturers within the automotive industry.
“We appreciate Quaprotek USA’s investment in Tennessee and in Lauderdale County,” Haslam said. “This company is known for incorporating high technology into a high volume business, and the opportunities they will create line up well with our goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“Quaprotek’s decision tells us that Governor Haslam’s Jobs4TN strategy is striking the right balance between serving Tennessee’s existing business and aggressively recruiting new companies to our state,” Hagerty said. “We’re focused on creating a business climate that gives companies the confidence to invest and create jobs.”
“I’m very pleased with our company’s decision to make Tennessee our newest home,” Klaus Kielwein, general manager, Quaprotek Group, said. “Our company’s name stems from its commitment to quality, productivity and technology, and I’m convinced our Ripley location will become an important asset in meeting the needs of our customers.”
Kielwein says Quaprotek will begin by occupying temporary space in the Volz Road building in Ripley, and the majority of its hiring will occur in the second half of 2012. Interested applicants can contact the Tennessee Career Center on Lake Drive in Ripley for more information, and applicants interested in production positions can receive prior qualification through the Tennessee Technology Center in Covington.
“The City of Ripley is very pleased that Quaprotek has chosen our city to locate its automotive parts manufacturing operations,” Ripley Mayor Jon Pavletic said. “This type of industry not only brings new jobs and expands the local tax base but creates a sense of excitement in our community that our citizens strive to achieve. Quaprotek realized that not only can they be successful and profitable in Ripley, but they also saw the energy in our quality of life.”
“We are pleased to know that Quaprotek has reviewed the local and regional attributes of our area and has chosen to locate its manufacturing operations in Lauderdale County,” Lauderdale County Mayor Rod Schuh said. “Quaprotek realized our outstanding labor force, infrastructure and overall pro-business environment will help them achieve success in the county. I couldn’t be happier at how the state and our communities worked together to make this happen.”
Hagerty also expressed thanks to the German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. for its work in facilitating the site selection process for Quaprotek.
“The economic and cultural ties between Germany and the state of Tennessee continue to grow,” Thomas Schwegmann, director of consulting services, German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc., said. “We’re grateful for being able to play a role in that success.”
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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Contact: Shannon Sumrall, ECD
Office: (615) 253-4897
E-mail: shannon.sumrall@tn.gov