Columbus McKinnon Plans $5.5 Million Expansion

Columbus McKinnon Corporation, a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of material handling products, will invest $5.5 million to expand its Chattanooga specialty forging and assembly operations, Dixie Industries. Over the next three years, the company plans to add some 120 jobs to the current employment level, doubling the number of Dixie Industries employees in Chattanooga.

"Chattanooga met all of the company’s needs," said Chuck Giesige, Columbus McKinnon vice president. "In making our decision, we considered the quality, efficiency, productivity and customer-oriented culture of the workforce."

Giesige said the company was also very impressed with the level of support available from the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, the State of Tennessee, and the Chattanooga Area Chamber. "The local business environment was an important factor in our decision-making process," he said.

"In these tough economic times, every job counts," said Ron Littlefield, mayor of Chattanooga. "We appreciate Columbus McKinnon and Dixie Industries for continuing to grow in our community."

Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey applauded Dixie Industries’ 100-year tenure in the community. "These are good family-wage jobs," Ramsey said. "And that’s great news right now."

"Thanks to companies like Columbus McKinnon, our community is attracting investment despite the global economic downturn," said Trevor Hamilton, vice president of economic development.

"Once again, the strong working partnership among the State of Tennessee, Chattanooga and Hamilton County has yielded results for Tennessee workers," said Matt Kisber, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Dixie Industries makes a variety of forged metal products for industrial applications, primarily used for lifting and positioning. In addition, they also supply products used in forestry and logging, towing and load securement.

Dixie Industries includes a forging facility near Highland Park and a welding, assembly and finishing facility off Amnicola Highway. The expansion includes infrastructure improvements, as well as the addition of forging and processing equipment aimed at providing a high level of service.