(The Center Square) – A company that produces heating and air products will bring 828 new jobs to Shelby County over the next five years, Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter said Thursday.
The $238 million plan by AAON includes a 787,000-square-foot facility in the former American Snuff Facility in South Memphis.
The company is based in Tulsa and has 4,000 employees worldwide. It manufactures premium HVAC equipment. The Memphis facility will make “various types of thermal management equipment for data centers under the BASX brand, including air-cooled systems, computer room air handlers (CRAHs), direct evaporative coolers and liquid cooling distribution units (CDUs),” according to a release.
“The expansion of our production capacity through the purchase of this new facility marks a new chapter for AAON,” said AAON CEO Gary Fields. “Not only will this allow us to continue to capitalize on the rapidly growing data center market, but it also demonstrates the commitment we have to our data center customers and the confidence we have in the vertical strategy of this market.”
The company conducted a “rigorous due diligence process that included an intricate site search and detailed analysis of costs, risks and return on investment,” said AAON President and Chief Operating Officer Matt Tobolski.
The announcement is a boost to Memphis, city officials said.
“AAON’s decision to build its latest manufacturing and logistics hub in South Memphis highlights our city as a prime location for economic growth and innovation,” said Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis. “These new, good-paying jobs are a testament to the promise Memphis holds.”