Chattem Chemicals, Inc., a division of Sun Pharma, is finalizing plans to expand in Chattanooga and add up to 50 jobs over the next several years.

The pharmaceutical ingredient company announced plans today to invest at least $6 million and create about 25 new, fulltime jobs in the next year. Chattem Chemicals plans to expand again in the next few years, investing an additional $10 million to $15 million and creating 25 more jobs.

"Chattanooga is a strong pro-business community," said Jason Paul Allen, vice president and general manager at Chattem Chemicals. "The quality of life here makes it favorable to recruit and retain employees."

"Many of the jobs created by Chattem Chemicals's expansion are chemical operations and chemical engineering positions, and the company plans to recruit graduates of Chattanooga State and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.