Wetekam Monofilmanets USA will locate its new manufacturing facility in Dandridge, Tennessee. The company purchased a 93,000-square-foot facility in the Jefferson County Industrial Park where it will manufacture industrial monofilament yarns through a high-tech intrusion process, creating 32 new jobs.

“Tennessee has seen major growth in manufacturing jobs since Governor Haslam took office. In the last three years, more than 20,000 net new manufacturing positions have been created in our state, making us second in the Southeast for job creation in the sector,” Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. “Wetekam Monofilaments’ decision to locate in Tennessee underscores our unique geographical advantages and business-friendly climate. I appreciate their investment and the new jobs they are creating in East Tennessee.”

Established in 1965, Wetekam Monofilaments is one of the largest monofilament yarn manufacturers in Germany. Currently, 45 percent of its production is for export; 30 percent of production is estimated to be for the North American market. The Jefferson County facility will assume production responsibilities for United States, Canadian and South American customers.

In Germany, Wetekam operates an in-house laboratory and technical facilities to perform tests required by customers to determine exact properties including strength and flexibility. A similar lab will be a part of the Dandridge plant. With its technologies and highly developed production methods, Wetekam individually optimizes products that have been customized according to customer specification.

Wetekam Monofilaments yarns are used by a broad range of manufacturers in a variety of products. Customers are technical weavers, braiders, tufters and knitters. Important industries supplied are automotive, upholstery, medical and sports oriented manufacturers including turf, tennis racquet strings and fishing lines. Wetekam Monofilaments turf yarn has been installed in several major United States sports stadiums.