Lifetime Products Inc., which makes blow-molded plastic products, will locate a new manufacturing and distribution operation in Knox County, Tenn., investing $115 million and creating 500 jobs.
"It is always great news when a company decides to locate to Tennessee," said Gov. Bill Haslam in a statement.
Lifetime's products range from plastic folding tables and chairs, basketball hoops and outdoor sheds to kayaks and paddleboards. Lifetime was started in 1986 with 15 employees and now employs over 2,700 people worldwide.
"Lifetime's product line and brand is a perfect match for Knox County's urban wilderness brand, and I am excited to welcome them to Tennessee," said Randy Boyd, commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development.
Richard Hendrickson, Lifetime's CEO, said the company spent over a year researching different locations on the East Coast. The new facility will be located in the former GE building in Knox County. Lifetime plans to have the facility operational by summer 2017.