Ceramaspeed to add 40 jobs to community

8/22/2012

Maryville, Tenn. – More than 40 jobs are coming to Blount County as Ceramaspeed, a world leader in the provision of electric radiant heating solutions for the glass ceramic appliance market, announced today that it purchased Isphording, a company from Germany, to take over the 55,000-square foot Blount County industrial building, formerly known as the Klote International Facility located at 1709 Henry G Lane Street in Maryville.


“Ceramaspeed is excited to increase its manufacturing capacity and provide high tech manufacturing positions in the Maryville area,” said Ceramaspeed vice president/general manager David Kidd. “We see this as welcomed news for our community and the people who live and work here.  The Blount County area provides the skilled workforce and business climate for Ceramaspeed to engineer and manufacture products that compete in today’s global market.”


The $3.5-million investment brings positions in manufacturing and management. Ceramaspeed will work with the Blount Partnership and its own human resources department during the first phase of the hiring process which begins in the first quarter of 2013.


“I congratulate Ceramaspeed on its decision to expand in Blount County, and Tennessee appreciates the additional jobs this announcement creates,” Commissioner Bill Hagerty, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, said.  “Existing industry expansions are key to the future growth and sustainability of our state’s economy.  When an existing company like Ceramaspeed chooses Tennessee again, it is a testament to our state’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, to our business-friendly climate and to our high quality workforce.”  


With Ceramaspeed and Isphording catering to the same customers in the appliance industry, moving to Blount County was made possible by great electricity rates, the type of workforce skills, competitive wages and low tax rates. Kidd noted, “There was no comparison as to the savings we can achieve in those areas.”


Ceramaspeed will continue to employ the research and development and engineering groups in Germany as well as a portion of the development lab.


Following the transition, a gas burner will be fashioned at the facility with a machine shop capable of producing parts for a variety of customers.


“This is part of the ongoing plan to continue to bring new businesses and investment into Blount County,” said Blount Partnership president/CEO Bryan Daniels. “We’ve seen 1300 jobs and more than $112 million in capital investment over the past 20 months. I think that speaks volumes about the community and relationship among the local governments in their commitment to be on the forefront of economic development, recruitment and the worth of the Blount Partnership.”


“We are extremely excited about Ceramaspeed expanding its operation in Blount County,” said Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell. “This type of enlargement is really a plus to this area and its investment speaks to the commitment to the growth of the county as an area for economic development.”


As early as 1897, Isphording began developing and producing gas valves for stoves and gas street lights.  It is one of the oldest manufacturers of gas products in Germany and was one of the first companies to develop valves for the commercial utilization of gas.  It excels in designing and manufacturing gas burners and valves for high end domestic and commercial appliances.  


“It’s always exciting to see local businesses expand in the area,” said Maryville Mayor Tom Taylor. “Bringing in high quality jobs is top priority and this multi-million dollar investment gives the local economy an additional boost. Ceramaspeed is very successful in its market and brings about another great opportunity to the people of Blount County.”


Ceramaspeed Inc. is owned by an affiliate of American Industrial Acquisition Corporation (AIAC) – a 16 year old group of manufacturing facilities spanning 16 countries across North America, the European Union and Asia. It produces approximately 90 models of heaters for the consumer and commercial appliance markets, all of which have been designed for production automation to provide consistent quality.