Mastering Manufacturing

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WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1964, TTL is an engineering design firm focused on delivering integrated infrastructure solutions for public and private clients. From site and corridor selection to due diligence, design, and construction services, TTL is your trusted partner providing single-sourced custom solutions for complex infrastructure development. With more than 450 team members across the Southern United States, TTL provides a wide range of services, including civil engineering; transportation design and CEI; geotechnical engineering; environmental consulting; construction materials engineering and testing; and surveying, GIS, and mapping.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

INDUSTRIAL PROJECT TYPES

• Warehouse, distribution, and data center

• Automotive

WHERE WE ARE LOCATED

TTL serves clients from 14 offices located in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas.

• Aerospace, aviation, and defense

• Mining and refining

• Manufacturing and chemical plants

• Pulp, paper, and wood products

TTL Lawrenceburg Office

Magna International, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, is making significant strides in Tennessee with the development of a new stamping and assembly plant in Lawrenceburg. Announced in July 2023, this expansion is part of a broader $790 million investment across three locations in the state, including two facilities at Ford’s BlueOval City supplier park in Stanton.

Magna’s Lawrenceburg plant, which is more than 400,000 square feet, is located in Team Lawrence Commerce Park along with Craig Manufacturing, H&M Bay, Inc., and FedEx Ground Distribution Center and is set to begin operations in late 2024.

The presence of Magna in Lawrenceburg is more than just a boost for the local economy; it’s a catalyst for long-term growth. By bringing highquality manufacturing jobs to the area, Magna is providing new opportunities for local families and helping to enhance the region’s industrial base. Additionally, Magna’s investment reflects the area’s strong manufacturing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment.

Local leaders are excited about the impact this project will have on the community. Lawrenceburg Mayor Blake Lay and Lawrence County Executive David Morgan have both expressed their enthusiasm for the economic benefits and job creation that Magna’s arrival is bringing to Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County. The project has also received support from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, and Lawrenceburg Utility Systems.

The collaboration between Magna, the state, and local partners has already earned recognition. Business Facilities awarded the project its 2023 Impact Award for EV Supplier/Manufacturing, highlighting it as a prime example of strategic investment and economic development.

As Tennessee continues to lead in the EV manufacturing space, Magna’s presence in Lawrenceburg underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and growth. The new facility not only strengthens the region’s economic landscape but also ensures that Lawrenceburg is poised to play a significant role in the future of automotive manufacturing.

TPR-Federal Mogul Tennessee, Inc.

TPR-Federal Mogul Tennessee, Inc. (TFT) is a joint venture between TPR Co., LTD of Japan and Tenneco, a global automotive supplier. Since opening in Lawrenceburg in 2012, TFT has become a major part of the automotive industry, specializing in making high-quality cylinder liners for vehicle engines.

At their advanced manufacturing facility, TFT employs over 115 skilled workers who help maintain the company’s reputation for precision and innovation. The cylinder liners they produce play a critical role in engine performance, ensuring vehicles run smoothly and meet high standards.

Having a company like TFT in the community is important for several reasons. First, it creates good jobs for local residents, helping families and supporting the local economy. Second, being part of the global automotive supply chain attracts other businesses to the area, which can lead to even more opportunities and growth. Additionally, TFT’s commitment to quality and innovation keeps Lawrenceburg on the map as a place where cutting-edge technology is developed and used.

As the automotive industry changes and advances, TFT is dedicated to growing and staying at the forefront of cylinder liner production. Their presence in Lawrenceburg is a benefit to both the local community and the broader automotive market.

Craig Manufacturing: From Canada to Tennessee, Building a Legacy

Craig Manufacturing, a leader in heavy machinery and industrial equipment, made its mark in the Canadian industrial landscape before expanding to the U.S. In October 2018, Craig invested $6.4 million to establish its first U.S. operations in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Since then, the company has created nearly 80 jobs for Tennesseans.

A Strategic Move to Tennessee —

Founded in 1946, Craig Manufacturing is a thirdgeneration, family-owned business known for producing attachments for heavy construction, forestry, mining, and utility equipment. The decision to expand into Tennessee was rooted in a desire to embed the company into the local culture.

“If we’re going to be in Tennessee, we wanted to be as Tennessean as we could,” said Les Harding, VP of USA Manufacturing. “There’s a big banner on our building that says, ‘Made in America, Mastered in Tennessee,’ and we believe that.”

Craig Manufacturing worked closely with the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to make the move seamless. “It felt like home,” said Chamber President Ryan Egly.

“We make tools that allow all of us to go work,” explained Harding. “If there’s a big piece of equipment, we probably build something that makes it do its job.”

Building Local Talent —

Craig Manufacturing’s success in Tennessee is largely due to its commitment to hiring locally. The company has partnered with local schools like TCAT to recruit talent. Chris Ramsey, a TCAT Pulaski graduate, started as a shipping and receiving employee and is now the Maintenance Lead. “This company treats you like family,” said Ramsey.

Production and Growth in Lawrenceburg —

Since opening its facility in 2018, Craig Manufacturing has grown significantly. The plant processes 60 to 80 tons of U.S.-based steel weekly, transforming raw materials into essential components for industries worldwide. The team has grown to around 80 employees, who take pride in building tools for some of the largest manufacturers in the world.

Alex Watridge, a CNC apprentice and TCAT Hohenwald student, echoed this sentiment. “Everyone here is incredibly supportive,” she said. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she encourages others to consider the opportunities in the trade industry.

Looking Ahead —

Craig Manufacturing plans to continue expanding in Tennessee and is considering opening more U.S. locations, with its Lawrenceburg facility remaining the U.S. head office.

“Tennessee is leading the way,” said Harding. “It’s one of the hot spots in America for business.”

Craig Manufacturing’s story is a testament to its commitment to quality, community, and growth, positioning it as a vital part of the Lawrenceburg community.

An Investment Paying Off for 45 Years

In 1979 Modine Manufacturing made the investment of opening a manufacturing plant in Lawrenceburg. That investment remains a staple of Lawrence County manufacturing today.

As the company celebrates 45 years of partnership with the businesses and people of Lawrence County it does so as the largest employer in the county with two plants employing more that 650 people.

“We are proud of the success we’ve had to grow from what Modine was in 1979 to employing 650 people,” Modine Lawrenceburg Plant 1 Manager Jason Shanes said. “It goes back to the people. They are loyal, dedicated employees and that makes doing business a lot more successful and simpler.”

Modine Lawrenceburg Plant 2 Manager Austin Fagan said looking back at the time that Modine decided to locate in Lawrenceburg, the company had a model of opening plants in rural communities where they could find the kind of loyalty Shanes cited.

noted. “And in the automotive world we are centrally located in the Southeast.”

Modine Manufacturing Company has been a worldwide leader in thermal management since 1916. The company designs, engineers, tests and manufactures heat transfer products for a wide range of applications and markets, the Modine website Modine. com states. Many of those markets are within the automotive industry.

Lawrenceburg Plant 1, which is part of the Liquid Cooler Division, serves automotive customers that include Ford, GM, Tesla, Nissan, Stellanis, Polaris, Harley Davidson and Volvo.

Shanes added that the combination of Lawrenceburg’s location to the loyal and dedicated workforce is a good example of why Modine continues to grow here.

“We are centrally located. Halfway between Nashville, Huntsville and Memphis with three of the biggest airports around,” Shanes

Lawrenceburg Plant 2, which creates much larger parts as part of the Air Cooled Application Division, serves three segments within their division — Power Generation, Agriculture/Off Highway and Electric Vehicles, which mostly involves large public transportation vehicles.

So, while Modine has been making an impact on Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County for 45 years, the people of the community having been making an impact across the world with the heat transfer/cooler

products that have been keeping vehicles, ATVs, large generators, tractors and other heavy equipment running cool for most of the last five decades.

Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce CEO Ryan Egly praised the county’s oldest automotive supplier industry for its longevity and impact.

“Congratulations to Modine for being in business for so long in Lawrence County and your continued investment in the community,” Egly said. “Modine is such a strong supporter of our schools as well as what we do here at the chamber to bring more jobs to Lawrence County.”

Fagan said in addition to his plant being one of Modine’s top performing plants, he takes pride in the company’s dedication to the communities where they have plants. This includes giving him the freedom as plant manager to make significant impact for the employees and the community at large.

“We like being able to work with local businesses whenever we can and try to spread the love around as much as possible because I know the kind of impact we have from a financial aspect,” Fagan said.

Modine Lawrenceburg Plant 1 Engineering Manager Joey Brown started with Modine out of high school, left and came back in 2001. On a tour of Plant 1 he points out the

small corner of the 180,000-square-foot building where Modine was operating when he came in 1987.

Now with the plant filling the entire building, Brown explains how its 200 employees take thin sheets of metal and turn them into high efficiency heat transfer units, or liquid coolers. These coolers are stamped, assembled, brazed and tested in Lawrenceburg for some of the automotive and off highway industries’ top brands.

Plant 2 naturally requires a much larger space, operating out of approximately 450,000 square feet that was the home of Murray Ohio for decades. The end result, although much bigger, remains keeping combustion and electric engines cool.

Fagan said his management team’s goal is to make Modine the place where people line up to work, the place to go in Lawrence County.

County Executive David Morgan pointed out how Lawrence County has benefited from Modine’s diversity and market knowledge.

“Modine is a great company and community partner in Lawrence County,” Morgan said. “It has a diversified product line that helps it weather changes in the automotive market. I appreciate Modine’s continued investment in our county and its faith in our workforce.”

BUILDING TOMORROW TOGETHER

What tomorrow holds depends on what we do today. That’s why we’re working together to meet electricity needs and foster sustainable growth while preserving the things that make our communities great places to call home. As a part of the region’s rich history—and its thriving future—we’re proud to be Building Tomorrow Together with you.

Founded in 1889, Blickman Industries has been a leading manufacturer of stainless steel and chrome medical equipment, providing innovative and high-quality solutions to the healthcare industry. In July 2023, Blickman announced its decision to consolidate their operations to Lawrenceburg with a multi-million-dollar investment set to create nearly 50 jobs.

The Lawrenceburg facility will support the production of a wide range of medical equipment, from surgical tables and instrument stands to storage solutions, all crafted with Blickman’s signature precision in stainless steel. Blickman’s operations will not only support the healthcare industry, but also contribute to the local economy. The company’s decision to invest in Lawrenceburg highlights the area’s strong manufacturing infrastructure and skilled workforce, which align perfectly with Blickman’s goals for quality and efficiency. Just after one year in operation locally, Blickman has grown to more than 80 local workers.

As it forges ahead with this new chapter, the company remains focused on innovation, ensuring that its products continue to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry while maintaining the highest standards of durability and performance. The move to Lawrence County signifies a bright future for both Blickman Industries and the local community.

Founded in 1978, Graphic Packaging International is a Fortune 500 corporation that is an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of packaging for commercial products.

In 1982, Coors Brewing Company purchased the Lawrenceburg facility and began production in 1983. The purpose of purchasing this facility was for Coors Beer to expand sales across the country by producing a film laminated packaging that would keep the moisture from cans from ruining cartons. In 1987-1988 the Lawrenceburg facility was expanded from 40,000 square feet to 280,000 square feet.

beverage cartons for water, sodas, teas, and beer. They make food cartons for your morning cereal, and favorite snacks. Their team also makes food service items such as drink carriers, biscuit trays, and many more items. Their products from Lawrenceburg ship to multiple locations across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The Lawrenceburg Facility employees more than 230 individuals with roles ranging from logistics to manufacturing to administration. In 2023, employees across all Graphic Packaging facilities took an Employee Engagement Survey and Graphic Packaging Lawrenceburg scored in the top 5 of all Graphic Packaging manufacturing facilities. This is due to the company’s strong core values of Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Relationships, and Teamwork that the amazing team members who work in their facility display every day.

With more than 100 locations and over 23,000 employees worldwide, Graphic Packaging International manufactures cartons for some of the world’s most recognized brands. GPI Lawrenceburg creates a variety of cartons such as

In 2023, the Lawrenceburg facility produced over 34 thousand tons of product. The company continues to invest in local operations, investing more than $4 million to upgrade equipment and enhance operational efficiency over the last few years. This investment keeps Graphic Packaging competitive and gives the company the capability to continue to grow their business.

FROM COUNTY EXECUTIVE DAVID MORGAN

During Manufacturing Week, I want to acknowledge the tremendous impact of manufacturing on Lawrence County in the past, present, and future.

Lawrence County was primarily a farming community in the early days of the 20th Century. The impact of the Great Depression was lessened by the presence of Swift & Co., which bought milk from local farmers to produce cheese, and Salant & Salant, a shirt factory that employed 700 women at the height of its business.

The arrival of Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company in 1956 opened a new chapter of growth and prosperity in Lawrence County. The company employed thousands over the years, providing a payroll that built houses, saved family farms, and helped local retail establishments grow.

Murray also led the way in its support of the community and endeavors like our Community Clubs, local schools, and the Public Library. We continue to see this giving spirit among today’s manufacturers, who provide time and money to local nonprofits, sponsor community events, and work with our school system to help teachers and students learn about career opportunities.

There are 62 local manufacturing companies that continue to make a huge impact on household economies and Lawrence County’s economy as a whole, accounting for more than 2,200 local jobs and growing. When adding operations in surrounding counties, regional manufacturers employ 3,828 Lawrence Countians, accounting for 20.5% of all local employment. Several industries have been part of this community for many years, and we are grateful for their continuing faith in our workforce.

Today’s manufacturers operate in a market that demands flexibility, knowledge about ever-changing technology, and a skilled, dedicated workforce. During Manufacturing Week, it is important to also recognize the decision-makers who keep their companies profitable, producing jobs that support families in Lawrence County, Tennessee.

We can see one piece of our future manufacturing community rising up at Team Lawrence Park. Magna International has 345 manufacturing operations and 105 product development, engineering and sales centers in 28 countries. Soon, local employees will be added to Magna’s 177,775-strong workforce.

A site northeast of Team Lawrence Park is being marketed to other companies that will become part of the fabric of Lawrence County. Their workforce is getting prepared for them in Lawrence County schools, at local TCAT programs, and through college programs available at Southern Tennessee Higher Education Center. The jobs they bring will help keep Lawrence County and its families strong.

Past, present, and future – we owe so much to the manufacturers that helped make this county what it is, those that keep us strong, and those that will be part of our lives in the future.

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