Manufacturers Innovate and Grow With Products Made in McMinn County

Manufacturing is one of the most exciting sectors in McMinn County, Tennessee. Not only is it the largest industry by employment (supporting more than 5,300 jobs and representing over 27% of the county's workforce), but it is also one of the most innovative. Manufacturers continue to explore new ways to improve their operations and invest in different technologies to produce better products at scale.

“Our local manufacturers support industries around the world,” says Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director of the McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA). “Some of the products you use every day are Made in McMinn, along with essential items for healthcare providers, transportation networks, and industrial operations.”

Manufacturing in McMinn County had a $1 billion economic output in 2024 alone. It also sends ripple effects through the community. McMinn residents employed in manufacturing earn an average annual earnings of $87,000, enabling them to build lasting careers and to spend locally, supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and industries.

Meet our local manufacturers and see how diverse the products Made in McMinn can be. Every local manufacturing company makes a difference through the customers they serve, the people they hire, and the ways they get involved in the community. 

Crescent Sock Company

Crescent Sock Company® manufactures a variety of socks and specializes in using higher-end materials like Merino wool, Alpaca, and performance fibers. Its products are shipped across the United States, with its Omniwool Tactical brand reaching American soldiers serving worldwide. Crescent also has a durable-goods sock brand, Hiwassee Trading Company, sold through the hardware industry.

“Technical construction and the best fibers in the industry allow the user to be comfortable all day long,” says Sandra Boyd, at the Crescent Sock Company. “Our socks are made to last years, not just months.”

This woman-owned sock company is 124 years old and has been passed to the fourth generation for leadership. The company prides itself on hiring people for lasting careers, so they can grow while working with Crescent.

“Our goal from day one was providing jobs in our community, and that is still our focus,” Boyd adds. “Our employees enter as new hires but quickly become family.” 

DENSO

DENSO has produced automotive powertrain and thermal products in Athens for nearly 30 years, including ignition systems, exhaust systems, fuel delivery system components, and HVAC components. Its products are featured on major carmakers across North America.

DENSO is the largest employer in McMinn County and is actively involved in the community. It was a leading sponsor of the EDA’s MADE Camp and sent representatives to lead activities for the campers.

Employees at DENSO contribute to transportation safety and convenience. Their innovations and the products manufactured in McMinn County help make everyday transportation safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly for people around the world. DENSO is also proud to be a Gold-Level Veteran Ready Employer.  

EnTrans International

EnTrans International’s Athens Trailer Operations (ATO) facility builds petroleum trailers under the Heil Trailer, Polar Tank Trailer, and LBT brands, along with select dry bulk trailers. It also manufactures Heil Trailer Defense Tactical Fuel Distribution System (TFDS) equipment for the U.S. military.

“Athens is an important part of our business,” says Jake Radish, President and COO, EnTrans International. “The ability to build both commercial trailers and specialized defense equipment speaks to the skill of our people and the manufacturing capabilities we have here in McMinn County.”

Trailers manufactured in Athens are shipped to customers throughout the United States and abroad. This year marks the 125th anniversary of Heil Trailer International and the 80th anniversary of Polar Tank Trailer. Heil Trailer has been part of McMinn County for nearly 50 years, and announced an expansion project in the region earlier this year.

“Building this equipment takes skill, teamwork, and a strong commitment to safety and quality,” says Radish. “I am proud of the experience our team brings, their willingness to solve problems, and the craftsmanship that goes into the products we deliver…We want Athens to be a place where people can build a career and see a future for themselves in manufacturing. It is a source of pride to see equipment built here serving customers around the world.”

E&E Manufacturing

E&E Manufacturing is a Tier I and Tier II automotive parts supplier that provides steel stampings and welded assemblies to the automotive manufacturing industry. Its products are shipped domestically to Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and they ultimately reach South Africa and China through its customers. The car parts that E&E produces, directly and indirectly, support more than a dozen automotive manufacturers in the United States.

“We are proud to be a solid and consistent employer in the area for over 22 years, while being a part of a great community,” says Michael Ryan, Human Resources at E&E Manufacturing. “We see a very bright future in McMinn County for several years to come.” 

Midlab, Inc.

Midlab is a leading private-brand manufacturer of cleaning and maintenance products, including floor care, disinfectants, degreasers, laundry care, and more. It manufactures many of the largest brands in the country across both the institutional and retail markets.

“Our products are used almost anywhere that needs to be cleaned,” says Matt Johnston, COO at Midlab, Inc. “We ship to customers across North America and abroad, so a product made here in McMinn County might be on a retail store shelf or in use at a restaurant, airport, or school near you.”

Midlab is a privately held, family-owned company founded in 1980. It produces more than 500 unique formulations and holds numerous patents. Midlab employs more than 200 residents of McMinn County and the surrounding areas. 

Mills Products

Mills Products manufactures custom metal components and assemblies for a variety of industries, including major appliance, heavy truck, and automotive. Its precision-engineered products are shipped across the United States and beyond and play an important role in the functionality, quality, and durability of everyday items.

Mills Products has maintained continuous manufacturing operations in the United States for more than 81 years, including over 35 years of providing jobs and contributing to the local economy in McMinn County.

Mills Products credits its employees as the foundation of its success, bringing skill, dedication, innovation, and pride to their work every day. The organization is proud to provide manufacturing careers in McMinn County, support the local economy, and demonstrate that world-class manufacturing happens in East Tennessee. 

Products and Careers Are Both Made in McMinn 

Manufacturers across McMinn County develop and sell products nationwide. Everything from the socks you wear to the cleaning products you use is made here. Automotive brands, freight companies, and the United States military all rely on companies in our community.

However, when each manufacturer was asked about its operations, they all talked about their people. Employees move companies forward, enable innovation, and ensure they have bright futures. The people in McMinn County who work in manufacturing have a global impact while growing their careers and supporting their families.

Learn more about the companies in McMinn County, but also the people who live here. The EDA celebrates when local manufacturers grow because every new contract and expansion plan means new jobs, lasting careers, and solid incomes for the community. Together, we can all Make it in McMinn.