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BY ROBERT SORRELL
Star Correspondent
A $44 million expansion at the Snap-on Tools facility in Elizabethton will create about 50 new jobs, Tennessee officials said Tuesday.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Snap-on officials provided details about the project, which has been in construction since last year.
Snap-on’s project adds nearly 49,000 square feet of manufacturing space and new equipment to support additional capacity for forging, machining, heat treating, chrome plating and assembly at its location at 2195 State Line Road.
The governor’s office said Snap-on is the third largest employer in Carter County, specializing in manufacturing hand tools including ratchets, wrenches, pry bars and pullers. Once fully operational, the expansion allows the Snap-on Elizabethton plant to employ nearly 500 people.
Since 2020, TNECD has supported 35 economic development projects in the Northeast Tennessee region, resulting in approximately 3,200 job commitments and $981 million in capital investment, according to the release from Lee’s office.
“Well-known brands like Snap-on continue to choose to do business in the Volunteer State, and I am grateful to this company for their commitment to expand and create additional job opportunities for Tennesseans across Carter County,” Lee said.
Snap-on has become a vital part of Elizabethton, McWhorter said.
“We are proud that Snap-on will expand its business in Tennessee, and we hope to continue partnering together to facilitate additional growth in this region,” McWhorter added.
The Tennessee Economic and Community Development grant program supports the efforts of companies like Snap-on, said Jon Carley, the Elizabethton plant manager.
“We value our hard-working associates in this facility as well as the community’s endorsement and on-going support,” Carley said.
Snap-on, a Kenosha, Wisconsin-based company, first arrived in Elizabethton in 1974, and has undergone several expansions over the past 50 years.
“For nearly half a century, Snap-on has provided high quality jobs right here in Elizabethton,” Elizabethton Mayor Curt Alexander said. “As Snap-on has grown, their commitment to our community and its workforce has only deepened.”
The mayor said the city is grateful for Snap-on’s latest expansion project.
“I look forward to seeing their continued growth over the next 50 years,” Alexander said.
Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby said Snap-on has been an “excellent employer and industry partner” to Carter County for many years.
“I am grateful for Snap-on’s investment in the advancement of industry and education in our community through their support of our school systems, TCAT and other educational centers,” Woodby said. “I look forward to continuing our relationship.”
The Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission approved Snap-on’s plans in early 2023. The commission unanimously approved plans in January and March, which included expansions to the north and east sides of the property, including a parking lot.
J.A. Street and Associates is the general contractor for the expansion.