Tennessee’s Thriving Industries Support Its Economy

Jeff Adkins

Tennessee has a lot going for it, including a diverse economy that offers jobs across a range of industries.

Advanced Manufacturing

Literally from A to Z – from aluminum acetates to zoological products – some of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the world are in the Volunteer State. Helping make Tennessee manufacturing so successful are factors like highly skilled workers, competitive wages, a business-friendly climate and a history of innovation.

Appliance & Electrical

Several Tennessee industries boast some of the world’s most recognized brands. In the appliance and electrical sector, examples include Monogram Refrigeration, Whirlpool, Thomas & Betts, LG Electronics and Electrolux. Appliance and electrical manufacturers enjoy Tennessee’s proximity to major U.S. markets and its skilled, abundant workforce.

Automotive

Tennessee’s automotive sector remains a driving force among the state’s industries, with more than 900 auto suppliers doing business. The state is home to four major automotive OEMs – General Motors in Spring Hill, Nissan in Smyrna, Volkswagen in Chattanooga and Ford Motor Company, which is under construction outside Memphis. Also doing business are numerous Tier 1 automotive suppliers, including major companies such as Bridgestone, Cummins, Johnson Controls and PPG. Tennessee’s automotive legacy has also spawned a robust Rubber, Ceramics & Glass sector that employs more than 16,400 Tennesseans. Major tire companies Bridgestone Americas and Hankook Tire are headquartered in Nashville, and Finland-based Nokian Tyres opened its first North American factory in Rhea County in 2019. Tennessee has also drawn a critical mass of ceramic tile manufactures, including major industry players such as Florim USA, Daltile, Landmark Ceramics, Rainbow Inc. and Smalticeram USA Inc.

Distribution & Logistics

Global shipping powerhouse FedEx makes its home in the Volunteer State, which is in the heart of the U.S. The state also houses the busiest cargo airport in North America (Memphis International) and provides access to eight interstate highways, reaching a majority of the U.S. population within an 11-hour drive or less. It also offers six Class I railroads and more than 970 miles of navigable waterways.

Food & Agriculture

Food and agriculture is a well-known sector when it comes to top industries in Tennessee. Some of the world’s best-known food brands call Tennessee home, including Bush’s Beans, Jack Daniel’s, Little Debbie and M&M Mars. In fact, there are more than 1,600 registered food and beverage manufacturers enjoying success in Tennessee. And the entire world is the beneficiary, with about $1.6 billion in Tennessee food and agriculture exports shipped in 2023 alone.

Health Care & Life Sciences

Anchored by the robust health care sector in Nashville, Tennessee is a health and life sciences heavyweight. Businesses range from managed care operators and national insurance providers to medical device companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers. In the Nashville area alone, more than 400 companies are in the health care sector, generating an overall economic benefit of nearly $46.7 billion and supporting more than 270,000 jobs every year. Globally known companies in the sector that call Tennessee home include DeRoyal Industries, MicroPort Orthopedics Inc., Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Medtronic, Sofamor Danek and Wright Medical Group. Since 2018, approximately 32 projects have been announced in the health care and life sciences sector, creating 6,300+ new jobs with investments of $807 million.