Maxwell Industries Celebrates 20 Years in McMinn County

Maxwell Industries, a custom manufacturer of hydraulic oil and fuel reservoir tanks, celebrated 20 years in business with a company-wide dinner in early May that included a few special customers and members of the Athens, Tennessee, community.

“We’re a small, locally-owned and operated company, and we invest back in the employees who work for us,” Gidget Walden, Human Resources and Accounts Payable and Receivable Manager at Maxwell Industries.

Maxwell Industries shipped tanks to 24 states last year. As it has grown in McMinn County over the years, its reputation for quality products and customer care has become known across the country. Learn more about this valuable local business. 

Maxwell Ships 15,000 Hydraulic and Fuel Tanks Annually 

Maxwell is a team of 42 employees and two owners, all operating out of the 90,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. The company produces 15,000 hydraulic and fuel tanks annually and has a catalog with 624 part numbers. These tanks are essential to the operation of utility trucks, forklifts used in ports, and even commercial landscaping machines.

Maxwell stands apart with its quality customer service. The company responds to expediting requests and meets regularly with clients to ensure their products meet their needs.

“When we have a new product, our team reviews the needs with the client in order to build the product correctly,” says Walden.

Their commitment to care ensures the products Maxwell sells are safe, long-lasting, and effective for their customer base. 

Maxwell Employees Are Known for Their Longevity

Many team members have worked for Maxwell Industries for more than 10 years, and others have been with the company since its founding. There isn’t much turnover in the organization, so the Maxwell team isn’t often hiring.

“People like working here because we are a day-shift company with work hours from 6 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Friday, unless you work overtime,” says Walden. “We also have regular 9 AM team meetings to go over any potential challenges, safety training, or issues with customers, or tight deadlines.”

The morning stand-up meetings also provide opportunities to train and educate team members. They can learn a little before resuming their work.

Walden says that Maxwell Industries often promotes from within, investing in employees who want to learn and grow. People enjoy working there because everyone knows each other and has been part of a team for several years.  

The Company Has Thrived in McMinn County

Maxwell Industries has grown its production and product lines over the past two decades and continues to have a positive impact on the region. The company works closely with the McMinn County Economic Development Agency (EDA) to identify opportunities for expansion and community involvement.

“The EDA meets with our team often and is available to answer any questions we have,” says Walden. “They are doing an excellent job, and we feel very supported.”

Walden also credits the location of McMinn County for its impact on the industry. Maxwell Industries can easily ship its products coast to coast while also hiring employees who are less than 30 minutes away. There is a healthy balance between running a rural business and still having access to nearby cities.

“Maxwell Industries is an invaluable manufacturing partner in Athens,” says Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director of the McMinn County EDA. “We are proud of how much they have grown over the years and look forward to supporting them for the next 20 years and beyond.” 

Learn More About the Manufacturing Economy in McMinn County

McMinn County, Tennessee, is home to many manufacturing companies that keep trucks on the roads, planes in the air, and trains on their rails. This manufacturing hub allows employees to grow in their careers and learn from different employers if they choose.

Get to know other companies that operate in McMinn County and how they thrive here. You can also contact the EDA to learn about the regional manufacturing footprint and how it’s growing.