Sinomax Group, a China-based foam products manufacturer and distributor, will invest $28 million to locate new manufacturing operations in La Vergne, Tennessee. The company plans to create 350 jobs in Davidson County.

The new 505,000 square foot facility will function as a manufacturing facility for the production of the various foam products that Sinomax specializes in. With this facility, the company will be able to more efficiently reach North American markets. Sinomax, which has been designing and manufacturing high quality memory foam products, including mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows for over 15 years, will renovate the former Whirlpool site on Hennessey Drive with plans to be operational in June 2016. Renovations will turn the site into a state-of-the-art automated pour and fabrication facility.

“We are thrilled to open our first U.S. manufacturing facility in the state of Tennessee,” President/CEO of Sinomax USA Frank Chen said. “Through our new facility in La Vergne, we will be able to better serve our North American customers with our diverse offerings of high quality foam bedding products. We anticipate significant growth as demand for localized manufacturing continues. We chose the Nashville area for its pro-business environment, its talented workforce and its welcoming spirit. We look forward to creating a world-class facility and contributing to this community. We want to thank the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, TVA as well as all of our private and public sector partners for making this project a reality.”

“We want to welcome Sinomax to Tennessee and thank them for creating 350 jobs in La Vergne and Davidson County,” Governor Bill Haslam said. “Tennessee works hard to create a business-friendly environment that supports both business recruitment and existing industry expansions, and this announcement brings us one step closer toward our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

“This is the second major investment by a Chinese company in as many weeks and we are excited to have Sinomax invest in our state.” Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “It is always great news when a company like Sinomax, with such a prominent international market position, decides to open new operations in Tennessee. I want to thank Sinomax for creating jobs in La Vergne and I look forward to the company’s success and growth in Tennessee.”

“We are grateful to Sinomax USA for choosing Nashville for their manufacturing facilities, which will create good-paying jobs in Davidson County,” Nashville Mayor Megan Barry said. “Sinomax USA is helping to grow our economy and create more good manufacturing jobs right here in Nashville while also enhancing our city’s reputation as a place known for making high-quality products.”

“TVA and Nashville Electric Service congratulate and welcome Sinomax on its decision to locate in La Vergne, Tennessee,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “Serving the people of our communities by attracting and retaining quality jobs and investments in our region is a fundamental part of TVA’s mission. We are proud to partner with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Government of Davidson County and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help Sinomax locate in the Valley.”