Area Development
P&G Duracell, the manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, will make a $36 million investment to expand its battery manufacturing and packaging facilities in Cleveland, Tennessee creating 60 jobs and bringing its workforce to more than 500.

"Existing Tennessee industries are an integral part of the communities they call home, and I would like to thank P&G Duracell for reaffirming its commitment to the citizens of Bradley County," Bill Hagerty, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner, said. "Expansion decisions are only made after careful and thoughtful consideration, and this announcement shows a tremendous vote of confidence in the area's quality workforce and the state's favorable business climate."

The Cleveland manufacturing facility is one of only three Duracell plants in the U.S. and will be the sole producer of C- and D-cell batteries for the Duracell brand. The company's other manufacturing plants are located in Lancaster, S.C. and LaGrange, Ga., a company spokesman said. The Cleveland packaging facility is the only one of its kind in North America, packaging batteries for all three U.S. plants at the Bradley County location. The batteries made and packaged in Cleveland are then distributed throughout the U.S. and to Europe, Asia and Latin America.

"Duracell has been making batteries in Bradley County since 1961. As County Mayor it's good to know that Duracell is reinforcing its commitment and belief in this community, our citizens and our workforce," County Mayor Gary Davis said. "This $36 million is more than an investment to secure the future of Duracell's largest plant. It also adds to this community's tax base, provides 60 new jobs at a competitive wage and secures the future of hundreds of employees already on the Duracell payroll. "

"We are proud to support the continued expansion of one of our fine manufacturing companies which will bring over $500,000 in new tax revenue to the City of Cleveland and Bradley County. Congratulations Duracell," said Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland.

While details of the incentive package offered Duracell was not immediately available, Gov. Bill Haslam's office notes the state has an active Jobs4Tennessee program that offers tax incentives to businesses that expand and hire new employees.