Jackson, TN, is On the Rise

Businesses are investing in the Jackson, TN, region more than ever before.

By Bill Lewis on August 9, 2023

“Employers of choice” are investing hundreds of millions of dollars and creating well-paying jobs in Jackson, where they find a skilled workforce, a full pipeline of talent from local colleges and universities, and a location perfect for logistics.

“Jackson has so much to offer companies looking for new locations or expansion opportunities,” says Mandy White, chief economic development officer for the Greater Jackson Chamber.

Jackson and Madison County’s advantages include robust and reliable utilities, well-vetted sites, a pro-business environment, a regional draw for the workforce and an experienced recruitment team, says White.

Employers from across the county and around the world agree. Toyota Boshoku Tennessee LLC (TBTN) is an example of a business that is growing in Jackson. The company announced in March 2023 it would invest $54.4 million to expand manufacturing operations at its metal stamping facility in Jackson. TBTN will create 80 new jobs in Madison County as a result of the project.

The expansion will add 87,000 square feet to TBTN’s existing facility, allowing the automotive supplier to consolidate its stamping operations while also supporting Toyota Boshoku America’s subsidiary locations.

Major Milestones

“This marks another significant milestone for our company. This expansion will allow us to increase manufacturing for our high-quality metal seat frame components and will strengthen the local economy by adding new jobs. We are proud to be an employer of choice in Jackson,” says Masami Ito, president of TBTN.

Another company, Toyota Motor Manufacturing TN (Toyota Tennessee), announced in April 2022 the investment of $36 million in its Jackson plant to update equipment. These projects come at the same time the company is celebrating 20 years in Jackson.

“Our Toyota Tennessee team of over 400 employees continues challenging what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. Our products are critical to Toyota’s North American operations, supplying Toyota vehicles with aluminum engine blocks and transmission cases and housing,” says Todd Williams, group manager of manufacturing for Toyota Tennessee.

“In addition, we continue to attract further investment in our facility due to Jackson’s educated and productive workforce, quality educational opportunities and overall quality of life in the region. At the end of the day, to be successful in any business, you have to have the right people, and our Toyota Tennessee team shows that Jackson has some of the best,” Williams says.

Foreign direct investment by international companies strengthens the local economy.

The region enjoys a strong international presence, with a specific cluster of Japanese companies, White says. Jackson has six Japanese manufacturing companies and another Japanese supporting company. 

Million-Dollar Business Investments

In the largest one-time investment in the county’s history, Dixie Jackson announced a $425 million project for the development of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

The 900,000-square-foot facility will employ 220 people and will significantly increase production of Dixie-brand disposable tableware products that are popular with consumers. It is the first new Dixie plant built by the company since 1991.

Pace Industries is investing $2.8 million to expand its manufacturing operations at its Lower Brownsville Road facility in Jackson and creating 49 new job.

One of the most recent companies to invest in the region is 6K Energy, which announced in April 2023 that it plans to build a $250 million full-scale PlusCAM™ battery material manufacturing plant in Jackson.

Businesses are investing in Madison County at a record pace.

“Last year, Team Madison County experienced investment at a level not ever achieved in this community, with more than $656 million invested by new and expanding companies in Jackson and Madison County,” White says. “Those companies also created more than 825 new jobs for area residents.”