US Nitrogen Increases Construction Hiring and Investment in New Greene County, Tennessee, Plant

GREENEVILLE, Tenn., April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- US Nitrogen LLC has decided to more than double the construction force originally announced to build its new plant in Greene County, Tenn. In addition, Shawn Rana, US Nitrogen vice president of operations, has informed local leaders that the company will increase its capital investment from $110 million to $160 million.

On February 22, the company announced it would hire 125 construction workers for approximately 18 months.

"They have revised their original numbers and will now hire 300 construction workers," said Tom Ferguson, president and CEO of the Greene County Partnership, which recruited the new industry. "In addition, the capital investment increase will result in several million additional dollars being pumped into the local economy.  That's great economic development news for our region of East Tennessee. It's a further vote of confidence and a real boost for the local workforce."

US Nitrogen LLC, a newly-formed subsidiary of Austin Powder, Inc., says the finished facility will provide 80 jobs at an estimated annual payroll of more than $4 million. Austin Powder, Inc., headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, has been operating since 1833.

"When it's finished, the average annual wage at the plant will be right around $50,000 per worker, which will make them one of the highest paying employers in East Tennessee," Ferguson said.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty welcomed the new facility at a press conference held in Greeneville on February 22.

Construction on a 400-acre site located near Interstate 81 west of Greeneville is expected to begin late this summer. The company has revised the original estimates, and tentatively plans to open operations of the plant in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The plant will transport their product to manufacturing sites in Ohio and elsewhere to be upgraded then used in blasting agents suitable for use at mines, quarries and road construction.

Ferguson said the company's decision to move to Greene County hinged upon the availability of land, access to a rail site, and state and county incentive packages.

Greene County Mayor Alan Broyles cited the county's "business-friendly environment" as a further reason for US Nitrogen's decision.

Greene County, located within view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has won numerous quality of life awards. In 2008, Greeneville, the county seat, was named to "The 50 Best Small Southern Towns" second edition.  The county is home to DTR Tennessee, Wal-Mart Distribution Center and John Deere Power Products, among numerous other industries.

For more information about the Greene County Partnership, visit http://www.greenecountypartnership.com or contact Tom Ferguson at [email protected] or by phone at 423-638-4111 or 423-416-1247.

Media representation: Clark Miller Communications.

SOURCE Greene County Partnership