Posted February 24, 2009

CHATTANOOGA,Tennessee -- Aroma Release Technologies Inc. and its Orlandi Laboratories Division have announced plans for a Chattanooga expansion through the purchase of a 4.4 acre parcel at Enterprise South Industrial Park.  Orlandi Laboratories, a contract laboratory to New York-based Orlandi Inc., which develops and produces fragrance samplers such as those inserted into magazines, plans to invest $2.5 million and double its workforce to 22 positions over the next five years.

“We feel that now is the time to invest in the future of our company, and Chattanooga’s Enterprise South provides us with a platform for continued growth and expansion,” said Orlandi Laboratories President, Doug Whitaker.  “Building this new facility in such a quality setting will certainly encourage creativity and a general sense of well-being for our employees.”

According to Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield, this announcement is significant.  “The Orlandi project is exactly the kind of investment we had in mind when we established the Enterprise South West Campus for small and medium operations,” Mayor Littlefield said.  “This company utilizes technology to create an extraordinary product.”

“We applaud the continuing commitment to Chattanooga and the plan to create more family-wage jobs,” said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey.  “Most jobs are created by small companies.  We’re proud to partner with them on this project.”

“This expansion is a great example of how some of our companies are successfully swimming against the current economic tide,” said Tom Edd Wilson, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.  “We’re fortunate to have such strong companies in Chattanooga.” 
 
This expansion includes the purchase of Lot 18 at Enterprise South, which is located next to Volkswagen’s temporary offices on Discovery Drive, for $266,100.  The company’s plans call for the construction of a 16,000-square-foot facility that will include a research and development area, production facilities, and office space. The local company, which has been in business for 18 years, has operated from an existing building at Enterprise South for the last 12 years.