Mahindra opening new Chattanooga facility, adds 55 jobs

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

photo Nathan Renner unloads crated tractors at the Mahindra center located at 2034 Polymer Dr. in Chattanooga in this 2010 file photo.

Southeast Mahindra USA said today the company will build a new $4 million tractor assembly and distribution facility in Centre South Riverport in Chattanooga.

The center is an expansion of one of Mahindra USA's four facilities of this kind and create 55 new jobs while retaining 45 existing positions in Hamilton County, according to the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

"This expansion not only keeps valuable jobs in our state, but also underscores Tennessee's strength in manufacturing." said Bill Hagerty, ECD chief, in a statement. "Southeast Mahindra USA's investment is a testament to our highly qualified workforce and another example of how companies can successfully adapt and further grow their business in Tennessee."

The new assembly and distribution facility is an outgrowth of Chattanooga Tractor and Equipment Inc., a family-owned tractor dealership established in 1971.

When Mahindra decided to relocate its assembly and distribution facility in order to be more centrally positioned in the region for better access to customers, that facility won the contract and retrofitted his dealership for assembly and distribution.

The venture outgrew the available space within the existing Chattanooga Tractor and Equipment facility and requires the establishment of a new operation, according to a news release.

See full story in Thursday's Times Free Press.