Smith & Wesson officially broke ground on its new East Tennessee home located in Partnership Park North in Maryville.
Joined by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and local elected officials, Smith & Wesson President/CEO Mark Smith announced that the 240-acre campus, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, is the new home for the U.S.-based leader in firearms manufacturing and design. Smith & Wesson is locating its headquarters and other major operations on the site.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that our culture and our company will continue to thrive here,” said Smith. “Not just because our culture will be welcomed, but because it will be strengthened by being here.”
“Great American companies like Smith & Wesson, who had the option to relocate anywhere in the nation, chose the best state in America and that’s Tennessee,” said Lee.
Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and designers of firearms. They manufacture a wide array of handguns (including revolvers and pistols), long guns (including modern sporting rifles, bolt action rifles, and shotguns), handcuffs, suppressors, and other firearm-related products for sale to a wide variety of customers, including firearm enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, individuals desiring home and personal protection, law enforcement and security agencies and officers, and military agencies in the United States and throughout the world.
Smith & Wesson joins more than 20 small arms and ammunition manufacturers located in Tennessee. Tennessee ranks No. 1 in the nation for employment in the small arms and ammunition sector, with employment increasing by 54% over the last five years.
The Nominating Committee of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has elected Bryan Daniels, CEcD, CCE, IOM, President & CEO of The Blount Partnership, to serve as Chair of the Planning and Business Development Committee of the IEDC Board of Directors. The process took place during the annual board meeting on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at IEDC’s 2021 Annual Conference in Nashville, TN. The upcoming term begins on January 1, 2022.
“We look forward to Daniels’ leadership as Chair of the Planning and Business Development Committee,” said 2021 IEDC Board Chair and President and CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara, Tom Kucharski. “Their new leadership role will ensure great accomplishments in 2022 and beyond.”
“We are very pleased with the credentials and commitment to economic development of our new board. They will help lead the International Economic Development Council to the future of this profession.” added IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle.
“I’m very honored to be selected for this position,” said Daniels. “It’s been a privilege to serve on the IEDC Board of Directors and I’m looking forward to leading this committee as we put forth a plan that will enable IEDC to address strategic issues in today’s rapidly changing world.”
In 2010, Daniels was named President and CEO of the Blount Partnership. The Partnership is comprised of The Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Blount County Economic Development Board, the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, and the Blount Chamber Foundation. The 24-person staff is responsible for all economic development activities within the jurisdictional boarders of Blount County and the cities of Alcoa, Maryville, Townsend, Rockford, Friendsville, and Louisville.
After graduation, Matthew Swartz ’22 hopes to pursue a career as a financial analyst. For 10 weeks this summer, he had the opportunity to gain real-world experience in that field through an internship with Arconic in Alcoa, Tenn.
Arconic Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extrusions, as well as innovative architectural products that advance the automotive, aerospace, commercial transportation, industrial, and building and construction markets.
Swartz was interested in applying for the internship because he wanted to gain experience in the manufacturing field of finance.
“In school, they often focus on the financial advisor kind of role, and there’s not a lot of focus on the manufacturing field – when you think of finance, you don’t think of different factories,” said Swartz, a finance/accounting major from Maryville, Tenn. “So when I saw this opportunity, I thought, that’s a different way to apply what I’ve learned. Also, just being from around here and seeing the company every day, it was kind of cool to be part of something that I’ve always grown up recognizing.”
As a finance analyst intern, he handled “just about anything finance-related that they gave me,” including analyzing data and updating spreadsheets, Swartz said.
The experience allowed him to apply what he learned in the classroom in a real-world setting.
“It’s a lot different than reading things in a textbook and then just solving a problem. Instead of that, you’re getting the human-to-human interaction of working as a team to put everybody’s skills together to come up with a solution or compile data and just see how everything works together the best,” he said.
Swartz said it was a pretty sharp learning curve, but he enjoyed having the opportunity to jump in and get to work right away.
“After a week here, I was out in the plant doing inventory – definitely not what I was expecting to do a week into a finance internship. I was standing next to big furnaces where they’re melting aluminum down, which helps you kind of see the process and see what you’re doing – and how the rest of the plant affects what you’re doing,” he said. “Something I got out of the internship that I wasn’t expecting was just seeing how it worked and how everything kind of comes together – and then seeing that just because you learn it in a textbook doesn’t mean that’s how everybody’s going to do it. Everybody has their own way of doing it, and sometimes that works better. The thing I wasn’t expecting was how different it was going to be … from a classroom to the real world.”
Kinga Hughes, metal controller and cost manager at Arconic, said Swartz was one of eight interns in the summer internship program, but Swartz’s internship was the only non-engineering one. The 10-week program includes housing or a housing stipend and competitive wages, she said.
Hughes said the internship provides many benefits for both the company and the interns. The company has experienced several expansions in recent years, including an automotive expansion and an industrial transformation, creating several projects and initiatives in the finance area.
“It’s very nice to get extra sets of hands to complete them, because we are so busy throughout the year, and I think it is good for the students, as well, because they gain real hands-on experience, which helps them connect the dots between what you learned in school and what you see in the real work environment,” she said. “And ultimately what you want is to provide a talent pool for future employment. You want this line extended and connected and basically have that pool of people coming in – and being able to offer some of them a job if they are good.”
Hughes said Swartz was able to assist with the company’s new cost system designed to help price equipment, which was “a big deal.”
“He has helped the cost system a lot, running queries to get information, meeting with some people who are more experienced in different areas like capital, and figuring out all the square footage we have for the buildings so we can do the depreciation allocation,” Hughes said. “He has worked with quality to provide us time spent on each of the production centers and multiple photo ops. And he has helped with revenue reconciliation. He definitely helped, for sure!”
Swartz said the experienced has solidified his desire to pursue a career in finance in the manufacturing field. “I’d love to stay in this field, and specifically, I’d love to stay with this company,” he said. “The experience during the last two months has been amazing.”
Leading U.S.-based firearms manufacturer will invest more than $125 million to relocate from Springfield, Massachusetts to Maryville, Tennessee
Company will create 750 new jobs in Blount County
Smith & Wesson headquarters at Partnership Park North.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. officials today announced the U.S.-based leader in firearms manufacturing and design will relocate its headquarters and other major operations from Springfield, Massachusetts to Maryville, Tennessee.
In addition to its headquarters, Smith & Wesson will relocate its distribution, assembly and plastic injection molding operations to Tennessee. The project represents an investment of approximately $125 million and will create 750 new jobs.
Smith & Wesson will locate in Partnership Park North in Blount County, where the company plans to break ground before the end of the year.
Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and designers of firearms. They manufacture a wide array of handguns (including revolvers and pistols), long guns (including modern sporting rifles, bolt action rifles, and shotguns), handcuffs, suppressors, and other firearm-related products for sale to a wide variety of customers, including firearm enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, individuals desiring home and personal protection, law enforcement and security agencies and officers, and military agencies in the United States and throughout the world.
Smith & Wesson joins more than 20 small arms and ammunition manufacturers located in Tennessee. Tennessee ranks No. 1 in the nation for employment in the small arms and ammunition sector, with employment increasing by 54% over the last five years.
Since 2017, TNECD has supported 10 economic development projects in Blount County, resulting in approximately 3,100 job commitments and $1.4 billion in capital investment.
“Our pro-business reputation, skilled workforce, and commitment to the Second Amendment make Tennessee an ideal location for firearms manufacturing. We welcome Smith & Wesson to The Volunteer State and are proud this U.S.-based brand has chosen to relocate from Massachusetts. Thanks for your significant investment in Blount County and for creating 750 new jobs.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Tennessee is known by the brands that call our state home, and Smith & Wesson adds an enormous boost to our portfolio. We know that Smith & Wesson could have chosen anywhere in the world to relocate its operations and headquarters, and the fact they chose Tennessee underscores our state’s business-friendly environment and highly skilled workforce. The magnitude of this project will have a lasting impact on our state for years to come, and we appreciate the company for its significant investment in East Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“The strong support we have received from the State of Tennessee and the entire leadership of Blount County throughout this process, combined with the quality of life, outdoor lifestyle, and low cost of living in the Greater Knoxville area has left no doubt that Tennessee is the ideal location for Smith & Wesson’s new headquarters. We would like to specifically thank Governor Lee for his decisive contributions, and the entire state legislature for their unwavering support of the 2nd Amendment and for creating a welcoming, business friendly environment.” – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. President and CEO Mark Smith
“We are eager to have Smith & Wesson, the premier provider of firearms for law enforcement and the military, come to East Tennessee. Their long-standing American heritage, along with their commitment to adding to the economy, makes this a win for the county. A huge thank you also goes to our county commissioners for designating our community as a sanctuary county of the second amendment.” – Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell
“The collaborative efforts between the Blount Partnership, the state of Tennessee, Blount County and the cities of Maryville and Alcoa, and many others have added another solid company in Smith & Wesson to our already bustling economy. Relocating their headquarters to our area will provide great jobs for generations to come. We welcome their leadership and their families to our community, knowing they have found a new home.” – Maryville Mayor Andy White
“We are extremely excited about Smith & Wesson announcing its plans to move to Blount County. The company, their management philosophy and employees are a great match for our area. The state of Tennessee, the Blount Partnership and the entire recruitment team are to be commended for doing an outstanding job working with Smith & Wesson ownership to create outstanding employment opportunities for our community.” – Alcoa Mayor Clint Abbott
“Smith & Wesson coming to East Tennessee is one the biggest developments for our economy in my lifetime. Our region offers terrific resources for businesses, but our most attractive asset is our hard-working and talented people. East Tennessee’s dedicated workforce is the best for helping Smith & Wesson continue to be one of the top companies in its industry. I’m looking forward to the high-quality jobs and economic activity Smith & Wesson will create in our area.” –Congressman Tim Burchett (R-Tennessee)
“Attracting and retaining good companies with above average wages is something the Blount Partnership and the Tennessee Department of Economic Development actively strive for when recruiting new businesses to the area. Smith & Wesson’s headquarters continue to raise the profile of our community as the best place for business. Welcome to Blount County.” – Blount County Industrial Development Board Chair Matt Murray
“TVA and City of Alcoa Utilities congratulate Smith & Wesson on its decision to establish operations and create hundreds of job opportunities in Blount County. Helping to support job creation and investment is fundamental to TVA’s mission and we are proud to partner with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Blount Partnership, East Tennessee Economic Development Agency, and the City of Alcoa to further that mission and support economic growth in the Valley.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“We are excited that Smith & Wesson has chosen to call Blount County home, and I thank them for relocating their headquarters in Maryville. Tennessee offers the best business climate in the nation. Our low taxes, high quality of life and top-notch workforce create an environment where companies can flourish. I congratulate Smith & Wesson as well as our local officials, Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe and all who helped secure these jobs. I look forward to continuing to partner with them in our efforts to bring new and better paying jobs to Tennesseans.” – Sen. Art Swann (R-Maryville)
“Smith & Wesson is a world-class manufacturer and Tennessee is a natural fit for this growing industry. I’m delighted they have chosen to do business in our state, and I appreciate this significant commitment to Maryville. The hard-working people of Blount County are excited to welcome our newest employer to our friendly community.” – Rep. Bob Ramsey (R-Maryville)
“This was a tremendous effort by our state and local economic development leaders, and I congratulate them on this win for Blount County and East Tennessee. The 750 new jobs created by this relocation to Maryville will create many wonderful opportunities. I wish Smith & Wesson success in our community for many years to come.” – Rep. Jerome Moon (R-Maryville)
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Reservation is a job-creation engine, accounting for more than $7 billion in economic benefits and supporting nearly 43,000 full-time jobs, according to a report released this morning by the East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC).
The report examines the impact of DOE’s investment in Tennessee in FY 2020 and shows a significant additional impact since the last study conducted in 2017. The impact reported then was $5.6 billion in economic benefits and 34,360 full-time employees.
“Oak Ridge is home to a wealth of innovation and creativity, with world-class scientists and researchers and cutting-edge facilities that contribute to enhancing our national security, improving the environment, and advancing scientific discoveries,” ETEC President Jim Campbell said. “This report confirms the importance of DOE’s presence in Tennessee, cementing the state’s stature in scientific leadership and contributing to its economic success.”
In March of 2020, those business dealings were put on pause due to COVID-19, but now, 16 months later, state leaders say we may be in better shape than we were prior to the pandemic.
Once the calendar hit January 1, 2021, Bob Rolfe, Commissioner of TNECD, says it was off to the races.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Arconic officials announced today that the aluminum manufacturer is expanding its operations in Blount County.
Arconic is investing more than $100 million to support recently announced expanded capacity for manufacturing industrial and can sheet. The project brings 200 new jobs to its Alcoa facility, where it has operated for more than 100 years.
Arconic is a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extruded products for the ground transportation, aerospace, packaging and industrial markets. The company is also a key supplier to the building and construction market, providing architects and builders with innovative products and systems to create high-performing buildings.
Originally founded as Alcoa, the company has origins going back more than 120 years. Alcoa supplied aluminum for many notable moments in American history, including providing aluminum parts for the Wright Brothers’ airplane in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, paving the way for modern aerospace.
Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 10 economic development projects in Blount County, accounting for more than 2,800 job commitments and roughly $1.3 billion in capital investment.
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“Arconic is a leading employer in Blount County with a storied history in the American aluminum manufacturing sector. I’m grateful to Arconic for creating 200 new jobs and being a valued member of the business community in Blount County for over 100 years.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Arconic’s investment of more than $100 million is excellent news for Alcoa and Blount County. Our job at TNECD is to support high-quality job growth across the state, and we thank Arconic for its ongoing commitment and investment in East Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“This expansion enables Arconic to help meet the strong customer demand for industrial products and can sheet. As consumers are moving away from plastics for more sustainable products, infinitely recyclable aluminum is the perfect solution. We appreciate the state’s continued support which enables us to create more jobs and advance economic growth in Tennessee, where we’ve been proudly operating for more than 100 years.” – Nandu Srinivasan, president of Arconic Global Rolled Products, North America
“TVA congratulates Arconic on its decision to expand operations and create job opportunities and investment in Blount County. Helping to support companies, like Arconic, create quality jobs and investment in the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we are proud to partner with the Blount Partnership and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“This is great news. Arconic’s decision to expand in Blount County is a testament to our strong school systems, incredible quality of life and the commitment to developing a skilled workforce. I congratulate them and all of our state and local officials who have worked tirelessly to bring these new job opportunities to our communities. It is an honor to partner with them in this effort.” – Sen. Art Swann (R-Maryville)
“Arconic’s decision to expand their operations in Alcoa is great news. I am confident they will continue the legacy of being a world-class, high-quality producer of aluminum products. I appreciate the work of our state and local partners for securing this expansion and am grateful to Arconic for their continued support of our local workforce and community.” – Rep. Jerome Moon (R-Maryville)
Cirrus Aircraft announced several additions to its suite of owners’ services dedicated to enhancing the aircraft ownership experience. The Cirrus IQ™ app and its connected aircraft capabilities were further bolstered with new features and added convenience. SR Series owners can upgrade the appearance of their aircraft with new interior and exterior upgrades. The new FLEX™ Cargo Management System for the Vision Jet was also announced. In support of new pilots entering aviation or those pursuing their instrument rating, Cirrus announced personalized, concierge flight training offerings at its training facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee and McKinney, Texas. Supporting owners service and support needs, Cirrus has added a Mobile Service Team for maintenance and AOG services and additional FAA Repair Station authorizations in Duluth, Minnesota; Knoxville, Tennessee and McKinney, Texas.
“As Cirrus Aircraft and our family of owners around the world continues to grow, we recognize the importance of extending our relentless pursuit of innovation into the overall ownership experience,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer at Cirrus Aircraft. “Our team is continuing to revolutionize personal aviation by delivering world-class innovation, connectivity and services to make owning a Cirrus aircraft rewarding, safe and simple for a lifetime of ownership.”
These new offerings will add value and versatility for the more than 8,000 owners of SR Series aircraft, which continues to be the best-selling high-performance piston for nineteen years in a row, and the more than 265 Vision Jet owners, which continues to be the best-selling jet in general aviation.
New Features Added to Cirrus IQ™ Mobile App Keep Owners Connected to the Cirrus Partner Network
Announced today, new updates and features to the Cirrus IQ™ mobile app will enhance the ability for owners and operators of SR Series aircraft equipped with Cirrus IQ™ to remotely access critical aircraft and flight related information. The new release introduces two new features, Find Us and Technical Publications. Find Us allows you to quickly locate authorized service and training partners near you, as well as Cirrus Campuses, directly within the app. Technical Publications lists and provides push notifications for technical publication updates that are applicable to your specific aircraft.
Launched in 2020 for new model year SR Series aircraft, the Cirrus IQ™ mobile app provides a real-time digital connection to the airplane from virtually anywhere in the world.
New Appearance Upgrades and Enhancements for the SR Series
Cirrus Aircraft is now offering interior and exterior aftermarket upgrades for the SR Series to fully enhance the aircraft. The Interior and Exterior Upgrades are offered in a variety of options that allow owners to upgrade the appearance of their aircraft to add distinctive ramp presence.
Owners of G3 and G5 SR Series aircraft can choose from the sporty Chicane or classic Ascend package – both packages include a range of color options to refresh the exterior and interior, along with a complete rewrap of interior panels and upgraded carpet.
Owners of G1 and G2 SR Series aircraft have access to the new Encore package, which includes an upgraded stripe kit in an array of colors, along with black handles and steps.
All three Interior and Exterior packages are currently available, with limited openings in 2021 and 2022. The upgrades are performed by Cirrus Aircraft’s Factory Service Center in Knoxville, TN. Design appointments can be made by contacting [email protected].
Convenient Cargo Solutions for the Vision Jet
Designed to bring added versatility and flexibility to the Vision Jet, the new FLEX Cargo Management System™ enables the convenient storing of cargo in the cabin. The FLEX system adapts to the existing seat positions in the Vision Jet cabin using a suite of attachments to easily and safely stow a variety of cargo – including bikes, luggage, golf clubs, coolers and more.
Manufactured by Cirrus Aircraft, the FLEX system adds no additional weight to the aircraft and extends the aircraft’s ability to carry more items securely in the cabin. The FLEX system is available for pre-order for G1, G2 and G2+ Vision Jets and is anticipated to begin delivering in the first quarter of 2022.
Concierge Flight Training in Knoxville and McKinney
Launched at the company’s facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee and McKinney, Texas, the new Cirrus Flight Training program gives customers access to the world’s best-selling SR Series and expert instructors for a concierge experience, focused on concentrated learning on your schedule. With all skill levels in mind, Cirrus Flight Training includes the ability to earn your Private Pilot’s License (PPL) or Instrument Rating, as well as recurrent or specialty training.
Cirrus Flight Training includes scenario-based learning in a new G6 SR22 equipped with the latest technology, including the Perspective+™ by Garmin® flight deck. Developing pilots and current pilots undergoing flight training in the program also gain access to the company’s award-winning library of on demand videos and courses through Cirrus Approach™. More information about the program, including scheduling a lesson, can be found at cirrusaircraft.com/learn-to-fly.
Student pilots and current pilots outside of the Knoxville and McKinney areas have access to expert flight training – including PPL, IFR, transition and recurrent flight training – through the more than 500 independent Cirrus Training Centers and Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots around the world.
Expansion of Maintenance and Support Services
Keeping customer and aircraft support a priority, Cirrus Aircraft further supplemented the Service and Support experience with new programs and services, including a new Mobile Service Team serving aircraft on ground (AOG) customers in the areas surrounding Orlando, Florida. The Mobile Service Team joins a variety of added support services at the company’s facilities in Duluth, Knoxville and McKinney.
Additional growth to the company’s Service and Support offering includes certifications that enhance the ownership experience, including Part 145 certification at both facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee and McKinney, Texas, as well as the more recent announcement of the Knoxville facility becoming a Garmin Certified Authorized Service Center.
For customers beyond these areas, Cirrus Aircraft’s network of more than 200 independent Authorized Service Centers feature trained technicians with access to genuine Cirrus Aircraft parts and the latest procedures to ensure world-class service and support across the globe.
Facilities Expansion
Growth in overall facilities and employment was also noted across the company’s locations, including significant expansion of career opportunities in engineering, flight training and production. This growth includes the addition of new engineering centers in Chandler, Arizona, and McKinney, Texas.
Launched in 2018, Cirrus Services is a dedicated, customer-focused business unit within Cirrus Aircraft dedicated to building lifetime relationships with customers by addressing needs before, during and after initial aircraft ownership. Combining Flight Training, Parts and Upgrades and Service and Support into a single company division, Cirrus Services is designed to deliver complete support and care for pilots, owners and operators of Cirrus aircraft throughout a lifetime of ownership.
A manufacturing and engineering camp was held at Pellissippi State Community College’s Blount County campus June 21-24, where students got to experience and learn about different facets manufacturing as well as engineering their own project.
The Blount Partnership is a proud partner with PSCC on this effort. This opportunity is made possible for local high school students through the Tennessee GIVE grant.
Longtime Blount County Economic Development board member Fred Lawson was installed as chair emeritus for his more than five decades of service to the board, and for his leadership, fiscal responsibility and strong economic development commitment.
Lawson has been instrumental in recruiting and aiding high profile companies such as Amazon, DENSO, Arconic, Cirrus Aircraft, Rubbermaid and ProNova. More than 100 company relocations and expansions have occurred during his time on the board, as well as the creation of more than 20,000 direct jobs in Blount County.
Lawson has worked with the board and helped to create new economic development initiatives for the community which has benefited from his involvement in producing a good quality of life for our citizens and the region.
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