State of Tennessee, Knoxville Chamber Announce Hardcoat Technologies LLC to Expand in Knox County

• Injection molding company to create nearly 90 new jobs in Knoxville
• Project represents an investment of more than $6 million

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Hardcoat Technologies LLC officials announced today the company will invest $6.6 million to expand manufacturing operations at its Papermill Drive location in Knoxville.

Hardcoat Technologies will create 85 new jobs in Knox County as the company locates additional operations next door to its headquarters and original injection molding plant.

As part of this project, Hardcoat Technologies will acquire an existing building and construct a new 23,500-square-foot facility on Papermill Drive. Both operations will support the company’s recent contract with SL Tennessee, and upon completion, will more than double Hardcoat Technologies’ injection molding, warehousing and assembly capabilities.

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Hardcoat Technologies specializes in injection molding and hardcoating for the automotive, ATV and industrial markets. Through this project, Hardcoat Technologies will employ more than 130 people in Tennessee.

Since 2018, TNECD has supported nearly 15 economic development projects in Knox County, resulting in approximately 1,600 job commitments and $135 million in capital investment.

QUOTES
“Our state’s strong business climate and highly skilled workforce continue to set Tennessee’s businesses up for success. I thank Hardcoat Technologies for its decision to expand in Knoxville and create 85 new jobs for Tennesseans.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Companies always have a choice in where they choose to do business. Hardcoat Technologies’ expansion reaffirms that Tennessee’s business-friendly atmosphere and highly qualified workforce lead the nation in attracting new jobs and investment to this state.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter

“Hardcoat Technologies has seen amazing growth in our business since our start in 2014. We look forward to the additional opportunities this building expansion will bring. We appreciate the continued support of our state and local partners.” – Hardcoat Technologies LLC President Nicholas Steffens

“What an exciting day for our city and for Hardcoat Technologies. I toured the plant earlier this year and am so impressed with Nick Steffens’ business plan that continues to create good jobs for our community.” – City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon

“Congratulations to Hardcoat Technologies on expanding their production facility. We value their investment in our community and the additional skilled jobs being created. The high-quality components that Hardcoat supplies to the automotive industry help keep our country moving.” – Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs

“TVA and KUB congratulate Hardcoat Technologies on its decision to expand operations in Knoxville. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s commitment to continued growth in the Valley. We are proud to partner with Knox County, the Knoxville Chamber, East Tennessee Economic Development Agency and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support companies like Hardcoat Technologies and look forward to its continued success.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development

“Congratulations to Hardcoat Technologies on their success and expansion in Knox County. The 85 new jobs that will be created is great news. Hardcoat Technologies plays a critical role in the growing automotive industry in the state, which Tennessee’s pro-business policies have helped strengthen. We appreciate Hardcoat Technologies contributions to our community and economy.” – Sen. Becky Duncan Massey (R-Knoxville)

“Hardcoat Technologies is a great story of a University of Tennessee graduate building a local business from the ground up. What started as three employees has transformed to over 100. Nicholas and his team are supporting suppliers from the community, taking extra steps to recognize and retain employees, and supplementing workforce needs through untapped talent populations. Their expansion is a welcome addition to our local manufacturing community. Projects like this stress the importance of the Knoxville Chamber’s business expansion engagement efforts.” – Doug Lawyer, Knoxville Chamber vice president of Economic Development

“The expansion of Hardcoat Technologies and the more than 80 new jobs it will bring is exciting news for Knoxville and Knox County. Congratulations to all the local officials and the folks at TNECD for their work with the company to make this happen.” – Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville)