Manufacturing will be introduced by end of year
Algood – Transfer Flow (TF) has a mission statement posted throughout the company. The mission is as a part of the company’s DNA as the American spirit. Company Co-owner and vice president Warren Johnson told the Upper Cumberland Business Journal that the mission is clear, “American-made products using American-made materials.”
“Transfer Flow’s family of dedicated employees supports our customers, community and country by engineering and manufacturing premier quality “Made in the USA” fuel systems and vehicle accessories,” reads the statement.
The leading fuel tank manufacturer will open its Algood warehouse and manufacturing facility in April, according to Johnson.
Components – TF Manufacturing is set to begin by the end of the year
Headquartered in Chico California, TF has manufactured aftermarket and OEM fuel tank systems since the spring of 1983 (they will celebrate 40 years in business this year). Through the years, they have grown and expanded, adding 70,000 square feet to its facility space in California.
The new 35,000 square foot facility at 230 Wall Avenue will usher in a new chapter. According to Johnson, the building, which once housed WoodTech, suited their needs well.
“Transfer Flow started looking at a distribution warehouse about five years ago and thought Tennessee would be a good fit for us,” said Johnson. “Because we ship our products throughout the United States, a more centralized warehouse made sense. We initially started looking at properties north and south of Nashville; however, a trip to Putnam County led us to our easy decision to expand there.”
Location was an obvious motivator for expansion to the Upper Cumberland, but something familiar drew the company to set roots here.
“We liked the small-town feel of the Cookeville and Algood area,” continued Johnson. “It reminds me of our northern California hometown of Chico, which is also a college town (home to California State University Chico). With our warehouse in Algood, our east coast customers will now be able to get their fuel tank system in one to two days instead of waiting for over a week if it comes from our facility in Northern California.”
As leader in the industry TF is modeled to fulfill every gap in the market.
“Transfer Flow’s aftermarket fuel tanks are for every need, including in-bed auxiliary tanks, DOT-legal refueling tanks and high-capacity replacement tanks,” said Johnson. “Transfer Flow supplies retrofit filler neck kits to work truck body manufacturers.”
Johnson said the company hopes Algood will serve as a second manufacturing facility, and the plan is to have the manufacturing side open by the end of the year.
Fuel – Transfer Flow has after market tanks for every need.
$60M is the estimated economic impact once the warehouse opens, and jobs will come, but Johnson said most of the hiring will take place after manufacturing is introduced to the facility.
“We have a few key employees who will be relocating to Algood,” said Johnson, “which will immediately add to the local economy. We have plans to hire additional staff, and once we introduce manufacturing to the facility, we’ll be hiring even more people.”
The facility has been updated, including offices, bathrooms and employee break areas.
“No major construction has yet to be done on the building,” said Johnson. “That will most likely change when we bring in our manufacturing equipment.”
Thus far, the instinct to expand to the Upper Cumberland seems to be a good one. Johnson said he’s been impressed with everything he’s seen thus far in the transition.
“We are so impressed by the friendliness of the people in the Putnam County area, including city, county and state officials,” Johnson admitted. “Although we have only ventured into Algood and Cookeville, we’re looking forward to spending time in the surrounding area and getting to know the area much more. You’ve got some fantastic locally owned restaurants and shops in your area that we have already visited.”
TF has a dedicated foundation of 90 employees, including 15 engineers and is a family-owned, “Values-driven and customer-focused” second-generation company. According to Johnson, 1/3 of TF’s employees have been with the company for 10 years or more. Johnson is co-owner with his wife Lisa, who also serves as CEO.
“We are looking forward to being a part of the Upper Cumberland business community and we’re eager for them to get to know us,” said Johnson.
Photos courtesy of Transfer Flow.
