Area Development
French energy company Alstom opened its $280 million power generation facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee yesterday, according to IndustryWeek. The facility produces steam and gas turbines, turbogenerator components, and moisture separator reheaters for nuclear, coal, and gas power plants. The plant will employ 350 people.

"When people talk about Tennessee and the need to focus on advanced manufacturing, this is an example of what we're trying to achieve," said Governor Phil Bredesen.

Employees will work in welding, machining, assembly, and balance testing of large turbines. Chattanooga's location on the Tennessee River gives the site access to 16,000 miles of waterways, and is central to 18 nuclear license application zones.