Clarksville, Tennessee, December 18, 2025
Korea Zinc, a prominent South Korean nonferrous metal manufacturer, has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking investment of over $6.6 billion to establish production facilities in Clarksville and Gordonsville, Tennessee. This investment marks the largest private corporate investment in the state’s history and aims to create over 700 new jobs in the local communities. The project will include a new U.S. headquarters in Clarksville and the reopening of a former mine in Gordonsville, highlighting Korea Zinc’s commitment to the region’s economic growth and revitalization.
Clarksville, Tennessee
Korea Zinc Announces $6.6 Billion Investment
Korea Zinc, a South Korean nonferrous metal manufacturer, has announced plans to invest over $6.6 billion in new production facilities in Clarksville and Gordonsville, Tennessee. This investment represents the largest single private corporate investment in Tennessee’s history and marks Korea Zinc’s first operations in the United States. The project is expected to create 420 new jobs in Montgomery County and an additional 320 jobs in Smith County over the next five years.
Investment Details
The investment includes the construction of a new facility in Clarksville to house Korea Zinc’s U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operations. Approximately 100 miles east in Gordonsville, the company plans to reopen a former mine, bringing back lost jobs and industry to the community. This expansion underscores Korea Zinc’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the U.S. market and contributing to the local economies of Tennessee.
State and Local Support
Tennessee state officials have expressed strong support for Korea Zinc’s investment. Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter highlighted the significance of the project, noting that it reinforces the importance of Tennessee’s strategic global recruitment efforts. The state’s collaboration with Korea Zinc is expected to play a vital role in supporting advanced military technology and reducing the nation’s dependence on China for critical minerals.
Background Context
Korea Zinc is a leading global manufacturer of nonferrous metals, including zinc, lead, and silver. The company’s decision to establish operations in Tennessee aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to attract international investment and create high-quality jobs. This development follows a series of significant investments by South Korean companies in Tennessee, reflecting the state’s growing appeal as a destination for foreign direct investment.
Recent Developments in Tennessee
In recent years, Tennessee has attracted several major investments from South Korean companies. For instance, Hankook Tire invested nearly $1 billion to expand its Clarksville tire plant, doubling its annual production capacity. Additionally, Hyosung HICO announced a $157 million expansion in Memphis, adding 240 jobs to the local economy. These investments highlight Tennessee’s robust manufacturing sector and its attractiveness to international investors.
Implications for the Local Economy
The Korea Zinc investment is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy. The creation of over 700 new jobs will provide employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Montgomery and Smith counties. Moreover, the reopening of the Gordonsville mine is anticipated to revitalize the local mining industry, contributing to the region’s economic diversification and resilience.
Conclusion
Korea Zinc’s substantial investment in Tennessee underscores the state’s growing role as a hub for international manufacturing operations. The project is poised to create hundreds of jobs, bolster the local economy, and strengthen the U.S. supply chain for critical minerals. As the facility becomes operational, it is expected to contribute significantly to Tennessee’s economic development and its position in the global manufacturing landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Korea Zinc’s investment in Tennessee?
Korea Zinc plans to invest over $6.6 billion in new production facilities in Clarksville and Gordonsville, Tennessee, marking the largest single private corporate investment in the state’s history.
How many jobs will this investment create?
The investment is expected to create 420 new jobs in Montgomery County and an additional 320 jobs in Smith County over the next five years.
What facilities will Korea Zinc establish in Tennessee?
Korea Zinc will construct a new facility in Clarksville to house its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operations. In Gordonsville, the company plans to reopen a former mine, bringing back lost jobs and industry to the community.
How have state officials responded to this investment?
Tennessee state officials have expressed strong support for Korea Zinc’s investment, highlighting its potential to strengthen the state’s global recruitment efforts and reduce dependence on China for critical minerals.
What is Korea Zinc’s background?
Korea Zinc is a leading global manufacturer of nonferrous metals, including zinc, lead, and silver. The company’s decision to establish operations in Tennessee aligns with the state’s efforts to attract international investment and create high-quality jobs.
What are the implications for the local economy?
The investment is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy, creating over 700 new jobs and revitalizing the mining industry in the region.
Key Features of Korea Zinc’s Investment in Tennessee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | Over $6.6 billion |
| Job Creation | 420 jobs in Montgomery County; 320 jobs in Smith County over the next five years |
| Facilities | New U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operations in Clarksville; reopening of former mine in Gordonsville |
| State Support | Strong support from Tennessee state officials, emphasizing the project’s role in strengthening global recruitment efforts and reducing dependence on China for critical minerals |
| Economic Impact | Significant positive impact on the local economy, including job creation and revitalization of the mining industry |
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