McMinn County, Tennessee, Celebrates Its Manufacturing Industry During Economic Development Week

International Economic Development Week runs from May 12 to 16, 2025, and the McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is using the event to showcase its manufacturing strengths. Manufacturing is a $70 billion industry in Tennessee, accounting for 13.4% of the state’s GDP. More than 364,300 Tennesseeans work in manufacturing across more than 6,000 firms.  

“Manufacturing companies come in all sizes, from large enterprises to small fabrication shops down the street,” says Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director of the McMinn County EDA. “We are thrilled to recognize all forms of manufacturing and how they create goods for Americans or support the global supply chain.”

Learn more about McMinn County's manufacturing footprint and how the EDA works with companies to upskill the local workforce and streamline hiring. 

McMinn Contributes to Tennessee’s Leading Manufacturing Sectors

McMinn County is home to multiple manufacturing companies, some of which (like Hillcrest Trailers, Creative Foam, and HP Pelzer) have an international footprint and contribute significantly to the state’s economy. Food and beverage is the top manufacturing sector in Tennessee, representing $11.8 billion in manufacturing output, and McMinn County is home to one of the sweetest manufacturing companies of them all: Mayfield Dairy Farms. For over 100 years, Mayfield has shared its world-famous ice cream with anyone craving a cold treat.

The second-largest manufacturing sector in Tennessee includes motor vehicle bodies, trailers, and parts. McMinn County is also a leader in this sector, with Denso Manufacturing Inc. employing 1,360 residents. Other major automotive and trailer manufacturers in the area include Adient, E&E Manufacturing, and Heil Trailer International.  

The state of Tennessee grows because of McMinn County. As the region becomes a hub for manufacturing, more companies are drawn here. 

McMinn County is Strategically Located in the United States

There are several location advantages to choosing McMinn County for your manufacturing facilities. McMinn County is less than an hour’s drive from Knoxville and Chattanooga, and less than two hours from Nashville and Atlanta. McMinn County is bisected by I-75, which starts in South Florida and runs through Michigan until it hits Canada. There are multiple rail connections in McMinn County, and the Port of Savannah is only 400 miles away.  

“There’s a reason why so many manufacturers choose Tennessee and specifically establish operations in McMinn County,” says Ferguson. “Between our state incentives and excellent location, moving to our part of the country just makes sense.” 

The EDA is Actively Engaged in Workforce Development

Companies need more than a good location if they want to open a successful manufacturing business or expand their existing operations. Site selectors are increasingly evaluating the local workforce to confirm that residents with the right skills live in their target areas. The McMinn County EDA is proactively forming partnerships with local education leaders, companies, and elected officials to identify workers' training needs.  

In January 2025, more than 50 stakeholders attended a Workforce Summit that took a transparent view of employee training, recruitment, and retention. During the summit, the EDA debuted MCWorks, its new workforce development initiative to prepare the current workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.

“We want to future-proof the McMinn County workforce as best as possible,” says Ferguson. “This will make the employees at existing manufacturing companies more effective while also attracting new firms to the area.”

More than 55,000 people live in McMinn County, and more move here yearly. The programs will help residents grow their skills and launch successful careers to support themselves and their families. 

Learn How Manufacturers Make it in McMinn

The McMinn County EDA works closely with manufacturing companies and any other business that wants to move to the region. We highlight state and local incentives that make doing business more affordable while identifying target properties with the infrastructure and facilities you need.

Use International Economic Development Week to evaluate the best place for your organization. Consider McMinn County because of its existing industries, growing workforce, and strategic location.