Area Development
REP Corporation will be locating in the Smith-Thomas Technology Park and construction will start soon in Kodak, Sevier County, Tennessee.

According to Sevier County Economic Development Council, REP International is the leader in the rubber injection molding industry. REP Corporation is the sales and service center for the United States, Canada and Mexico and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of REP International based in Lyon, France. The company has been in business globally for over 111 years and produces injection molding machines for the rubber industry. The company will employ approximately 20 people locally, including administrative staff, industrial engineers, sales and management.

Jim Wirtz and Josh Beachum were appointed as project leaders for REP Corporation over two years ago to search the country for a new location for the company's national headquarters. "We searched the country and many locations for a very long time but ultimately we made the decision to come to Sevier County. The efforts by Mayor Waters and Allen Newton and his team at the Sevier County Economic Development Council were the major contributing factors, and their professionalism and willingness to help at every turn was unsurpassed. We are proud to bring our national headquarters to the area and become a part of the community,” said Wirtz.

“Jim and his team have been an absolute pleasure to work with during the recruiting process. They will be an outstanding addition to our manufacturing community,” stated Mayor Waters.

“One of the contributing factors for locating REP Corporation in Sevier County was the talent pool for young engineers and the amount of technical programs and educational assistance for these types of trades,” said Beachum.

“REP Corporation is an outstanding international company to work for and will help to diversify the local economy. We will provide very competitive wages and outstanding benefits and we look forward to becoming a part of this community,” stated Anna Seel, Accounting Director.

Derek Williams National Sales Director stated, “As our products continue of evolve and clients gravitate to a more southern locale, we see an opportunity to further support these existing transplanted divisions as well as new start-ups that take advantage of our technology and proximity. It remains a win/win for our base and emerging markets.”

Timothy Graham President of REP Corporation added” We are very excited to be coming to this area of Tennessee. We have been welcomed with open arms, making us feel we have made the right decision to move here from the Chicago area. We look forward to being able to move as soon as the building is ready.”