Two types of manufacturing have been especially foundational to Chattanooga’s history: metals, and food and beverage production.
Though some plants have closed or moved away, several manufacturers remain in town and are poised to grow as their markets expand. Master Machine, a shop that makes metal parts for nuclear plants and submarines, plans to move this year into a larger plant off Manufacturers Road as more nuclear plants head for construction.
“We are perfectly positioned to grow in this nuclear space and capture that market,” said Warren Brandon, president of Master Machine.
The Double Cola Company, with more than a century in Chattanooga, is taking advantage of a beverage market with endless options to launch new products. With no manufacturing plants of its own, the company is focused on growing its brands, like the citrus soda Ski.
“We’ve learned that we want to focus on the things that we know we’re good at and that are key to the brand,” said Gina Dhanani, the company’s president and chief operating officer.