Area Development
Colgate-Palmolive will build a new manufacturing plant to make oral care products in Morristown, Tennessee. The consumer products company will invest $25 million in an 80,000 square foot building expansion, manufacturing equipment and infrastructure improvements, creating 75 new jobs in Hamblen County.

The firm plans to build a stand-alone facility adjacent to its current Colgate Total toothpaste plant, which located to Morristown in 2008. Construction on the new facility, which will include production of products sold to dental professionals through the company’s Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals business, will begin this year with occupancy slated for early 2015 and full employment by late 2015.

“We’re pleased with the opportunity to open this new operation in Tennessee and to build on the success we have had in Morristown,” Mike Corbo, Vice President, Global Supply Chain, for Colgate-Palmolive, said. “Hamblen County offers us a talented workforce and excellent access to markets, and we appreciate the continued support of the state of Tennessee, Hamblen County, the city of Morristown and their Industrial Development Board.”

A majority of the 75 jobs being created will be dedicated to general light manufacturing positions including line operators, mechanical and electrical, and warehouse.

“Colgate-Palmolive is a globally recognized company, and I am happy to hear its growing needs will be fulfilled right here in Tennessee,” Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. “With a presence in more than 200 countries and territories around the world, Colgate-Palmolive has made a remarkable impact on the corporate landscape of East Tennessee in just a few short years. I appreciate the company’s decision to expand in Morristown and am pleased to know that Tennessee and its workforce will continue to play an important role in the company’s future plans and successes.”

“It is exciting to see the continued growth of Colgate-Palmolive in our city,” Morristown Mayor Danny Thomas said. “The announcement of an 80,000 square foot expansion and $25 million investment in their facilities, along with 75 new jobs for our community is good news for the city of Morristown. We appreciate their continued confidence in our city and their positive spirit as a good corporate citizen and look forward to their continued success.”

Tennessee Valley Authority congratulates Colgate on this expansion which adds another facility to its Morristown operations and provides new jobs in the Morristown/Hamblen County area,” John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development, said. “TVA and Morristown Utility Systems are pleased to be economic development partners with the state of Tennessee, Morristown Industrial Board and area community leaders to help existing companies grow.”