(The Center Square) – A Korean company will establish its U.S. headquarters in Clarksville and invest $6.6 billion, the largest single private corporate investment in Tennessee history, state officials said.
Korea Zinc will also reopen a former mine in Gordonsville, a move that will add 320 jobs in Smith County over the next five years, according to state officials.
The company’s headquarters and manufacturing operation will bring 420 new jobs to Montgomery County.
Officials linked this investment to a recent trade trip to Asia by Gov. Bill Lee and others, which included a stop in South Korea.
“Korea Zinc’s decision to invest in Tennessee, which marks the single largest investment in state history, reinforces the importance of our strategic global recruitment efforts,” said Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “The international relationships we’ve built over the years have been essential in securing projects like this one.”
The company will play a “vital role in supporting advanced military technology and safeguarding national and international security by reducing the nation’s dependence on China for critical minerals,” according to a release.
“Tennessee offers a compelling combination of a highly skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure and strong collaboration at both the state and local levels, making it an ideal location for this project,” said Yun B. Choi, chairman of Korea Zinc. “This is a transformational endeavor for Korea Zinc and our long-term commitment to the region – one that will create high-quality jobs, contribute to the local economy and uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship and safety.”
This Korea Zinc announcement follows another major development for Clarksville within the same week.
T.RAD North America, a subsidiary of Japanese manufacturer T.RAD, announced on Dec. 10 that it would build a new facility in Clarksville. It would be T.RAD’s first Tennessee location, bringing 928 new jobs and a $90.2 million investment. The company’s U.S. headquarters is in Hopkinsville, Ky.
