- Manufacturer will invest $45 million, create more than 60 new jobs
- Company is the nation’s oldest private label manufacturer in the health and beauty sector
Nashville, TN — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Vi-Jon officials announced today that the company will expand operations in Smyrna, investing $45 million and creating 64 new jobs in Rutherford County.
Vi-Jon will expand its operations at 1 Swan Dr. in Smyrna, where the company currently employs more than 600 people. Vi-Jon produces personal care products including mouthwash, soap, hand sanitizer, first aid, baby care and hair care. In addition, Vi-Jon markets and manufactures the second largest national brand of hand sanitizer under the Germ-X label.
With more than 140 years of collective R&D experience, Vi-Jon is the nation’s oldest private label manufacturer in the health and beauty sector. Between its Tennessee and Missouri operations, Vi-Jon has the capacity to manufacture more than three million bottles of products daily.
Over the last five years, TNECD has supported more than 25 economic development projects in Rutherford County, resulting in 3,100 job commitments and $545 million in capital investment.
Quotes
“As the largest employment sector in Rutherford County, manufacturing remains crucial to the success of this community. Vi-Jon is a well-established and respected manufacturer in Rutherford County, and the new investment and job creation will be a great boost to the local economy.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Rutherford County has established a reputation as an ideal location for manufacturers to produce and distribute their products to customers around the world. More than 250 manufacturing companies operate in Rutherford County, contributing to the success and growth of this region, and we thank Vi-Jon for its ongoing commitment to Smyrna and its workforce.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“TVA and Middle Tennessee Electric congratulate Vi-Jon on its decision to expand operations in Rutherford County. We are proud to partner with Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help support companies, like Vi-Jon create job opportunities and investment in the region and look forward to their continued business success.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“I am pleased Vi-Jon is expanding their current operations in Smyrna and adding 64 new jobs to the area. These jobs will help strengthen the local economy and improve our community. I appreciate the work of Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe and local officials for helping to facilitate this expansion.” – Sen. Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro)
“This expansion is great news for our community. With our skilled and capable workforce, I am confident Vi-Jon will continue to thrive in Rutherford County for many years to come. I appreciate the efforts of local officials and economic development leaders who work to promote and advance our existing industries.” – Rep. Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna)
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
TNECD Media Contact:
Molly Hair
Public Information Officer
(615) 878-0063
molly.hair@tn.gov