Colgate-Palmolive announced Wednesday that the company will build a new manufacturing plant to make oral care products in Morristown. Colgate-Palmolive will invest $25 million in manufacturing equipment and building and infrastructure improvements and create 75 new jobs in Hamblen County.
“Colgate’s expansion announcement today is great news for Morristown and Hamblen County,” Morristown Industrial Development Board Chairman R. Jack Fishman said. “This is another step in a journey of continuing to expand the quality of life in our community. Good jobs mean a sound economy for this area and a positive future for our community.”
“We are pleased with the opportunity to open this new operation in Tennessee and to build on the success we have had in Morristown,” Colgate-Palmolive Global Supply Chain Vice President Mike Corbo said. “Hamblen County offers us a talented workforce and excellent access to markets and we appreciate the continued support of the state of Tennessee, Hamblen County, the city of Morristown and their industrial development board.”
Colgate-Palmolive plans to build a stand-alone facility adjacent to its current Colgate Total toothpaste plant, which opened in Morristown in 2008. Construction on the new facility will begin this year, with occupancy slated for early 2015 and full employment by late 2015.
The facility will include production of products sold to dental professionals through the company’s Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals business.
Colgate-Palmolive will create 75 new jobs, the majority of which will be dedicated to general light manufacturing positions, including line operators, mechanical and electrical and warehouse.
“It is exciting to see the continued growth of Colgate-Palmolive in our city,” Morristown Mayor Danny Thomas said. “The announcement of an 80,000 square foot expansion and $25 million investment in their facilities, along with 75 new jobs for our community, is good news for the city of Morristown.
“We appreciate their continued confidence in our city and their positive spirit as a good corporate citizen and look forward to their continued success.”
“It is great news and further confirmation that Morristown and Hamblen County is a great place to do business when a multi-national corporation makes a significant addition to its operation here,” Hamblen County Mayor Bill Brittain said. “I thank the Colgate corporate management team for making the decision to expand its Morristown operation, and I congratulate the Colgate employees in Morristown who do a great job producing a quality product and being a good corporate citizen.”
Colgate-Palmolive is one of the world’s leading consumer products companies.
Its brands include some of the most recognizable products, such as Colgate toothpaste, Palmolive detergent, Murphy Oil Soap, Ajax and Speed Stick.
The company is supported by a global staff of more than 30,000 employees.
