KOREAN COMPANY AIDS U.S. CRITICAL MINERALS SUPPLY
Last week, Tennessee landed the largest capital investment in the state’s history from a South Korea-based nonferrous metal manufacturer. Korea Zinc announced $6.6 billion would go toward the establishment of its first U.S. operations, selecting sites in Clarksville and Gordonsville, which will create 740 new jobs in the state. In Montgomery County, the company will construct a new facility in the city of Clarksville that will dually serve as Korea Zinc’s U.S. headquarters and house manufacturing operations. Production at the new facility will include zinc and copper, as well as critical minerals gallium and germanium. “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 Korea Zinc Chairman Yun B Choi. “This is a transformational endeavor for Korea Zinc and our long-term commitment to the region.” The company’s investment includes the revival of a former zinc mine in Smith County, bringing back over 300 mining jobs to the Gordonsville community. Watch for more on this project in Site Selection’s Workforce 2026 report to be published early in the new year.
Photo courtesy of The Kroger Company
KROGER KEEPS THE COMMONWEALTH STOCKED
National grocery chain Kroger has announced plans to strengthen its presence in Kentucky with a new distribution center. The company currently houses its regional HQ in Louisville while operating four manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the state. Now Kroger has sights set on a new location in Simpson County, located in the south-central part of the state. The $391 million investment will introduce a new distribution center equipped with automation technologies and designed to be scalable upon future demand. The company operates over 100 stores throughout the state, and this location will ensure supply chain stability. This investment follows Kroger-owned Country Oven’s announcement in October, which brought a $204 million bakery facility expansion to Bowling Green. “Kroger has long been a crucial contributor to Kentucky’s thriving economy, and this new location helps ensure that will continue to be the case for years to come,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “I’m grateful for the company’s expanding presence in our state — and these 430 new jobs for our people.”
Photo courtesy of INEOS
A FUTURE-FOCUSED INVESTMENT
One of Scotland’s most vital industrial assets is prepared to expand its capacity, thanks to a fresh $182 million investment from global chemical manufacturer INEOS at a site in Grangemouth overlooking the Firth of Forth near Falkirk. The company announced that its expansion project would be key to upgrading vital production units, improve the Grangemouth site’s energy efficiency, reduce emissions and enhance competitiveness. Raw materials produced at the site support a number of industries from food & beverage and automotive to health care and technology. The expansion will be supported by a more than $100 million loan from the UK government and an additional $66 million grant.”We need to continue to work together to deliver competitive and efficient low-carbon manufacturing for the UK, long term. The answer is NOT decarbonization by deindustrialization. Without a strong manufacturing base, the economy will continue to decline,” said INEOS CEO Jim Ratcliffe. “High energy costs and punitive carbon charges are driving industry out of the UK at an alarming rate. If politicians want jobs, investment and energy security, then they must create a competitive environment.”
Reports compiled and written by Alexis Elmore
