Rants from the Brand Coach

Good News!

Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:

In Mount Vernon, Illinois, Continental Tires the Americas, will expand its manufacturing operation and create 444 new jobs.

Meggitt Aircraft Braking, a supplier of aircraft wheels and brakes, has announced plans to open a new facility in Danville, Kentucky and hire 63 people.

In Dearborn County, Indiana, Fortis Security Products, a maker of vaults, safes and other products for banks and financial institutions, plans to relocate its corporate headquarters, creating 15 new jobs. Congratulations to Mike Rozow and the rest of the team at the Dearborn County Economic Initiative.

AttagGroup, Inc., a supplier of dispensing products, has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Lincolnton, North Carolina. Congrats to Barry Matherly and the entire staff at the Lincoln County Development Association.

In Louisville, Kentucky, Invensys Rail Corporation, a developer of control systems for railways and transit authorities, will expand its headquarters and create 75 new jobs.

Amy’s Kitchen, a maker of natural and organic foods, has announced plans to open a new facility in Greenville County, South Carolina, creating 700 new jobs.

In Thomasville, Alabama, Lakeside Steel, a maker of pipe for the oil and gas industries, plans to expand and create 80 new jobs.

Molded Foam, LLC, a manufacturer of foam seating and cushioning materials, has announced plans to relocate its operation to Bristol, Indiana and create 45 new jobs.

The Roberts Company, a provider of services to the chemical, power, mining and pulp and paper industries, plans to open a facility in Pitt County, North Carolina, creating 29 new jobs.

In Somerset, Kentucky, UGN, Inc., a producer of acoustic carpet systems, will expand its manufacturing operation and hire 50 people.

Capitol One Auto Finance has announced plans to expand its Tulsa, Oklahoma operation and add 100 new jobs.

Blue Pillar, Inc., an energy asset software and controls company, plans to relocate its headquarters and create 70 new jobs.

Ornet Corporation, a producer of aluminum products, will reopen its facility in Ascension Parish, Louisiana and create 240 new jobs.

Pella Corporation, a maker of windows and doors, has announced plans to expand its operation in Murray, Kentucky and create 75 new jobs.

In Greenville, South Carolina, Adv Machining Technologies, a specialist in advanced machining, will expand its operation and add 10 new jobs.

International Paper, a maker of paper and packaging products, has announced plans to repurpose a portion of its closed mill in Isle of Wright County, Virginia, creating 213 new jobs.

Modern Distributors, a supplier to the convenience store industry, plans to expand its facility in Somerset, Kentucky and hire 20 people.

In McDowell County, North Carolina, Janesville Acoustics, a supplier of acoustical and molded products for the automotive industry, plans to expand and create 40 new jobs.

We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.

If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com