State ECD, State Representative Tandy Darby Visit Haven Steel

McKENZIE/Henry County (June 10) — State Representative Tandy Darby (R-Greenfield) and representatives for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development visited Haven Steel on Monday to tour the manufacturing plant and its new upgraded machinery.

Carol Holt, plant manager, along with Tom O’Brien, Executive VP of Haven Steel-Kansas and Tennessee, provided information to visitors, who were in attendance to tour the plant.

Haven Steel purchased Cutting Specialist, Inc. in 2021 and expanded the operations of the manufacturer of cutting blades.

Many of the older machines were removed and replaced with newer, more efficient machinery.

Carol Holt welcomed everyone to the McKenzie facility, located on State Route 22 North in McKenzie. The 18 year veteran of the company rose through the ranks to the title of plant manager.

She showcased the new equipment to Representative Darby, ECD Assistant Commissioner Jamie Stitt, and ECD representatives Janna Hallums (Northwest Tennessee Director ECD) and Tessa Kyle (ECD Business Development Consultant) and Sydney Forrest of ECD.

Representative Darby praised Haven Steel for their commitment to Tennessee and praised McKenzie for its many successes in job development and in sports.

Attending the tour were: Monica Heath, executive director of the McKenzie Industrial Board and McKenzie Chamber of Commerce; Brad Hurley, president of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce; Justin Crice​ - CEO of the Weakley County Chamber of Commerce; Ryan Griffin Mayor of McKenzie; members of the McKenzie Industrial Board of Directors, and members of the McKenzie Chamber of Commerce.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Haven Steel Products, Inc. officials announced in December the company would invest $6.5 million to expand its manufacturing operations in McKenzie.

Haven Steel will create 19 new jobs, increasing its total headcount in McKenzie/Henry County to more than 80.

Haven Steel updated its existing Tennessee facility to include three new furnaces, a cutting mill and a powder coat system to accommodate its growing customer demand and expand its overall client base.

Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Haven, Kansas, Haven Steel Products, Inc. fabricates and heat treats steel for the agricultural, construction and trailer industries. Today, the company operates two facilities — Tennessee and Kansas.

Since 2019, TNECD has supported nearly 30 economic development projects in the Northwest Tennessee region, resulting in 2,575 job commitments and $606 million in capital investment.

The McKenzie plant is located on State Route 22 North in McKenzie/Henry County. The local facility started as SACO, Inc., a manufacturer started by Terry Blakemore, a McKenzie native. It was later sold to Cutting Specialist Inc., which was bought by Haven Steel.

“McKenzie Industrial Development Board is pleased to have been a part of this process,” said Monica Heath, Executive Director of the McKenzie Industrial Board. “Working with TNECD, Haven Steel was able to apply for a Fast Track Grant through the IDB for $150,000 to help with the renovation needed to bring in the new equipment. This expansion will bring new jobs to the area and allow for safer, more advanced technology in their production process. Working with Ken, Carol, and the team at Haven Steel has been a pleasure, and I look forward to the next expansion phase coming in the future.”

Governor Bill Lee said, “Northwest Tennessee is equipped with a skilled workforce that will provide ideal candidates for Haven Steel as they expand manufacturing operations. I thank them for their investment and look forward to the new opportunity this expansion brings to families across McKenzie and Henry County.”

TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said, “At TNECD we strive to provide the companies that call Tennessee home with the tools and resources needed to grow and expand. I am proud that Haven Steel will continue to call the Volunteer State home and believe Henry County has the right business climate, central location and highly trained workforce to support Haven Steel’s success.”

Ken Brown, owner and CEO, Haven Steel Products, Inc. said, “Haven Steel is proud to announce the commitment to the people of Northwest Tennessee by creating new jobs and investing in new equipment. We are thankful for the business-friendly environment that Tennessee’s leadership has built and are committed to maintaining. We look forward to expanding our manufacturing capabilities in Tennessee.” – “We congratulate Haven Steel on the expansion of its successful operations in Henry County.

This investment creates much-needed jobs, helps propel the local economy and strengthen the manufacturing backbone of the region. We appreciate Haven Steel’s partnership and wish them continued success.” – Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon)

State Representative Tandy Darby (R-Greenfield) said, “I am proud that Haven Steel has chosen to expand its operations in McKenzie. This investment will bring additional jobs and economic prosperity to our community. I congratulate the company on its success and look forward to its continued growth in Carroll County.” – 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.