Major sports footwear and apparel manufacturer to create more than 150 new jobs
Lebanon – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and New Balance Athletics officials today announced the leading athletic footwear and apparel manufacturer will invest $68.5 million to establish a new distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee.
“This announcement confirms not only the area’s strategic location advantages, but also other business and economic opportunities available in the professional and commercial business sectors,” said Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell. “New Balance’s marketing strategy of ‘We Got Now’ aligns perfectly with Lebanon and Tennessee’s marketing theme, and we look forward to a long-term partnership.”
Located in the Speedway Industrial Park, New Balance will create more than 150 new jobs in Wilson County, which will support a portion of the company’s digital commerce business for footwear, apparel and accessories as well as service its wholesale and retail operations for its apparel business.
“I am proud to welcome New Balance to Tennessee as the company locates new distribution operations in Wilson County,” said Governor Bill Lee. “Tennessee’s central location and highly skilled workforce provide companies like New Balance with the advantages they need to succeed, and I look forward to building a partnership with the company in the years ahead.”
The new automated processing facility will be approximately 350,000 square feet and is expected to be completed in late summer 2023.
Founded in 1906, and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, New Balance is a global athletic footwear and apparel leader with more than 7,000 associates worldwide and global annual sales of $4.4 billion in 2021. Privately-held New Balance is proud of its strong commitment to the communities where its associates live and work and its purpose-based values of teamwork, integrity and total customer satisfaction.
“Tennessee is known for the companies that call our state home, so we are proud to add another globally known brand to our roster,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter. “I appreciate New Balance for its decision to invest $68.5 million and create over 150 new jobs in Lebanon. This is a big win for Wilson County and reaffirms that Tennessee’s pro-business climate, strong workforce and quality of life continue to attract the world’s leading businesses.”
Since 2018, TNECD has supported 15 economic development projects in Wilson County, resulting in 5,550 job commitments and $1.2 billion in capital investment.
“TVA congratulates New Balance on its decision to establish a new distribution center in Wilson County,” said TVA senior vice president of economic development John Bradley. “Supporting companies in creating new jobs and investment in the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we look forward to our partnership with Middle Tennessee Electric in providing New Balance with clean, reliable, low-cost power. Thanks to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and Joint Economic and Community Development Board of Wilson County in helping further that mission as we celebrate this announcement together.”
