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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Rough Country Suspension Invests $1.5 Million To Locate Distribution Center In Newbern, Tennessee

06/30/2014
A company that designs, produces, markets and distributes premium suspension products for trucks, Jeeps and SUVs, Rough Country Suspension will relocate its distribution operations to a 250,000 square foot facility in Newbern, Tennessee. Headquartered in Dyersburg, the expansion will allow Rough Country to more than double the size of its workforce as well as its Dyer County footprint.

All distribution operations, including international, will be managed out of the Newbern facility. With a goal of being fully operational by late August, Rough Country’s plans include investment of $1.5 million and the creation of up to 200 new jobs over the next five years. Facility investments will include new equipment related to packaging and assembly lines. With additional growth, the continued investments in automated processes and quality improvements are included in Rough Country’s forecast.

“We are thrilled with the team that has been assembled here in Dyer County, and excited by the opportunities we see for Rough Country and our market going forward,” Rough Country CEO Ken Dunn said. “We’ve been blessed to add jobs each year at Rough Country and the expansion in Newbern is a reflection of our confidence in the local workforce and our commitment to the area.”

“I want to congratulate Rough Country on this expansion in Dyer County and thank the company for the new jobs that will be created for Tennesseans,” Governor Bill Haslam said. “We leverage our state’s assets to create an environment that allows companies to grow and expand, and today’s announcement supports our goal to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

Founded in 1988, Rough Country has significantly expanded its product offering and customer base over the last five years requiring additional production and warehouse space to meet its service expectations, state Economic and Community Development officials said. The Newbern facility will house Rough Country’s primary packaging and assembly operation as well as its primary distribution point for finished goods inventory. From this location, Rough Country will support other warehouse operations including its industry-leading same day shipping offering.

“We are so fortunate Rough Country Suspension Systems has chosen Newbern as the area to expand its business. Rough Country has a long history of manufacturing and distributing the finest products for the automotive and off-road industries,” Newbern Mayor Olen Parker said. “When it comes to off-road drivers, there is one name that is superior and that name is Rough Country Suspension Systems. Not only do they bring superior products, they bring an exceptional workforce to our community. This type of industrial growth is only achieved when local, regional and state organizations get behind a company and support them in their efforts. Rough Country believes in its products, and the city of Newbern will do everything possible to ensure Rough Country continues to succeed. We are proud to welcome Rough Country to our community and family of industries.”

“TVA congratulates Rough Country Suspension Systems on their expansion which brings new jobs in the Newbern area,” John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development, said. “TVA and Newbern Electric Water & Gas are glad to be economic development partners with the state of Tennessee, Dyer County, and other community leaders to help existing companies grow."

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