CLARKSVILLE, TENN. — LG Electronics USA has opened its new $360 million, 1 million-square-foot home appliance factory in Clarksville. DPR Construction served as the general contractor for the 13-month project. Gresham, Smith and Partners was the architect. DPR employed more than 800 workers on-site to complete the plant, which sits on 310 acres.
South Korea-based LG employs 550 workers at the facility with plans to house up to 700 employees when the factory becomes fully operational. LG will incorporate robotics, automation and engineered systems into the production of up to 1 million washing machines per year at the warehouse.
“We are proud to bring state-of-the-art, home appliance production technology and even more U.S. jobs to the great state of Tennessee,” says Dan Song, president of the LG Home Appliance and Air Solutions Co. “Thanks to the support of local officials and the Montgomery County community, LG is expanding our business investments in the United States to better serve our customers and, ultimately, American consumers seeking the best washing machines in the market.”
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee was on-hand at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the factory, which is located about 50 miles northwest of downtown Nashville.
“LG is known around the world for its innovative appliances and electronics, and the company’s decision to build its first U.S. washing machine manufacturing facility in Clarksville speaks volumes to Tennessee’s business-friendly environment,” says Lee.
Also attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony were U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.; Economic Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe; South Korean Consul General Kim Young-jun; Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett; and Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts.
There are two main assembly lines in the factory — one for front-load washers and one for top-load washers. Additionally, an in-house warehouse will stage the completed units that are ready for shipment.
“Shortening our supply chain will generate significant operational benefits like increased speed to market and more nimble responses to changing market conditions,” says Song.
Based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., LG Electronics USA is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a $54 billion global and technology company specializing in home appliances, consumer electronics and mobile communications.
— Alex Tostado