Editorial: Two industries bringing new jobs to East Tennessee

The recent announcement from Phipps Bend in Hawkins County that Highland Materials Inc. will build a facility to produce its low-cost, clean energy polysilicon promises 450 jobs once manufacturing begins in 2026. That is the single largest job creation investment in the region in a long while.Right on its heels is news that a Kingsport company, MD Carts, is expanding to Johnson City with a $10 million investment to add 200 new jobs within five years.MD Carts produces three models of its golf carts at its Fordtown Road facility in Kingsport and is acquiring space on Eddie Williams Road in Johnson City to install an automated production line for a new brand called Whisper.Owner David Hatley also produces hot tubs at Johnson City under the LPI (Leisure Products International) brand. It is the largest manufacturer and retailer of hot tubs in the country.The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is providing unspecified incentives for the project. MD Carts made outdoor hunting carts when Hatley bought it in 2021."For years, LPI has manufactured quality spas and shipped them from Johnson City to commercial partners across the United States. We are excited to see their new company expand their production of world-class products here in Johnson City," said Johnson City Mayor Todd Fowler.LPI has a network of stores across the country. Hatley said initially LPI leased stores in industrial parks but has begun building stores along four-lane highways that fit their layout needs. Many of them will also offer golf carts as production scales up.The announcement was made at press conference Aug. 13 by Allen Borden, the deputy commissioner of business, community and rural development for TDECD.MD Carts plans to manufacture and provide its leisure golf carts to more than 80 retail providers across the country. Hatley says the production facility's automated line will be installed within the next 30 to 60 days."We're looking forward to installing the most automative line in the entire golf cart industry right here," said Hatley. "You guys may not have heard of MD Carts or our new brand that we're launching, Whisper, but I can promise you in about five years you'll be well aware of Whisper and MD Carts.""Support from the ECD, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the city of Johnson City make investing here profitable for the manufacturer," said Johnson City Economic Development Director Alicia Summers. "This investment will have a consequential impact on the economic health and vitality of our community. MD Carts will employ a skilled workforce by offering quality jobs and paying competitive wages. That is a win-win for the community."Congratulations MD Carts, and David Hartley, for your continued success.Highland Materials Inc. will build a facility at Phipps Bend in Hawkins County, and Kingsport company MD Carts is expanding to Johnson City.