A Swedish company hopes to open an $8 million, 500-employee factory in Crossville, Tenn., and is taking job applications for its first foray into American manufacturing.
BekZon, an air purification system manufacturer, plans immediately to bring between 40 and 50 jobs to Crossville pending approval of a $300,000 loan from the city. As the business ramps up to full capacity over the next three years, BekZon plans to bring a total of 500 jobs to the area.
Crossville had a 10.5 percent unemployment rate in August, the most recent state figures available. The national rate sat at 9.1 percent that same month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We sure do want them here; it’s just the age-old question. How far do we need to go, and how far can we go?” said Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III. “It’s a real tough decision for small local government officials.”
Graham said the $300,000 loan would come from a city revolving fund used to attract businesses. Crossville officials put money into the fund every year and save up for such an occasion. Right now, the fund contains about $500,000.