The Economy

Manufacturer of Industrial Explosives to Build Plant in Tennessee

Feb. 22, 2011

Facility will produce liquid ammonium nitrate to be converted into blasting agents.

Austin Powder Inc., a Cleveland-based manufacturer of industrial explosives, will build a factory in Greeneville, Tenn., for the production of liquid ammonium nitrate.

The company will invest more than $110 million in the plant, generating 80 new jobs, according to Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam's office.

The facility, which will operate under the name U.S. Nitrogen, will be located on a 400-acre site near the intersection of I-80 and Highway 11E in Greene County.

The plant will produce ammonium nitrate in liquid form and then transport it to manufacturing sites in Ohio and elsewhere to be upgraded into blasting agents suitable for use at customer mines and quarries, according to the governor's office.

"Austin Powder chose Tennessee because we feel the availability of skilled, trainable workers and access to a national transportation network gives us a strategic advantage," said David True, president of Austin Powder. "Our company has an excellent safety record, good benefits and worker-friendly employment policies and we're committed to creating a safe, productive environment for our employees."

The company's plans call for the construction of a five-building complex on the site. Pending approvals, the first phase of construction is expected to employ 120 full-time workers.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.