Stewart-Houston County Is a Hidden Gem for Growth and Opportunity
Nestled in the Wells Creek Basin, the site of a confirmed impact crater, Stewart-Houston Industrial Park is quietly becoming one of Tennessee’s most promising destinations for business growth and workforce opportunity. Established roughly 25 years ago, the park has one goal in mind – to keep residents employed. The park has evolved into a thriving hub for manufacturing and industry in Houston and Stewart counties.
Leaders with the Stewart-Houston Industrial Development Board say the park represents years of collaboration and commitment to the community.
“From the very beginning, our goal has been to create opportunities right here at home,” says Howard Spurgeon, board chairman and president of the Stewart-Houston County Industrial Park. “We want to make sure local residents have access to good jobs without leaving the area.”
Revitalizing the Local Economy
The park’s roster reflects steady industrial momentum. Cumberland City Plastics LLC and Commercial Insulating Glass Co. operate on Industrial Park Road. Georgia-Pacific Building Products maintains a wallboard facility in Cumberland City, underscoring the area’s manufacturing depth.
Board members emphasize that the park’s mission goes beyond industrial expansion; it’s about revitalizing the local economy.
“We are a distressed county, and more than 1,500 people leave here every day to drive an hour or two for work,” Spurgeon says. “The Industrial Development Board’s goal is to bring those jobs home.”
That commitment comes at a pivotal moment. The Tennessee Valley Authority is looking at retiring the coal-fired Cumberland Fossil Plant after constructing a new natural-gas plant nearby. The exact dates are unknown. But as the power complex modernizes, fewer on-site jobs than the historic coal operation will be available. The industrial park is positioning to absorb and attract talent with transferable skills in maintenance, operations and advanced manufacturing.
Infrastructure Upgrades
To do that, the Stewart-Houston Industrial Park is undergoing a professional transformation. Recent upgrades include enhanced signage, cleared landscapes and improved drainage. The park has also achieved Select Tennessee Certified Site status, which signals due diligence and development readiness to site selectors. Documentation shows industrial scale water, wastewater, natural gas and electric service to the site, along with rail service, reducing time and risk between commitment and production. A grant application exceeding $2 million is in progress to create a pad-ready site for a 100,000-square-foot facility.
The value proposition of Stewart-Houston Industrial Park extends beyond infrastructure. Companies find competitive land pricing and a workforce eager to work closer to home, while employees enjoy a cost of living that supports home ownership and an outdoor lifestyle.
With the Cumberland River and regional lakes minutes away, people here love the outdoors. Boating, camping, hunting and fishing are among the many amenities that can be enjoyed, leading to an affordable quality of life.
“This area offers a compelling blend of business fundamentals and quality of life,” Spurgeon says. “We are a gem that hasn’t been discovered yet, but that’s changing fast.”
As Tennessee’s industry continues to grow, the Stewart-Houston Industrial Park is ready to welcome new businesses, create jobs and keep its community working close to home.
Learn more at explorehoustoncountytn.com.