An international barrel manufacturer celebrated the opening of its new Rickman facility Monday.
Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce President Zach Stephens said the facility is part of an estimated $30 million investment that Independent Stave has made into the community.
“There’s not only 70 jobs that are being created, they are really high-quality, good-paying jobs,” Stephens said. “The company is going to be taking care of their workforce really well, so we are really excited by that huge number, but also the pay scale, and so much that goes along with that.”
Independent Stave General Manager James Ball said the company will support local logging companies by making barrels using local wood.
Stephens said Rickman checked the boxes for a company like Independent Stave.
“Independent Stave is an international company, so there are a lot of great things happening here in Overton County,” Stephens said. “From our workforce is supplied by TCAT, and Vol State, and Tennessee Tech. We have a lower cost of living than most places, and there are so many great things here in Overton County that helped Independent Stave decide that they want to be here.”
Stephens said the investment is a step in the right direction for the community.
“We want investment like this in our community, and we are so proud that Independent Stave has been willing to make that investment and create so many new jobs for our community,” Stephens said. “We appreciate the partnership with the Tennessee Economic Community Development along with elected officials in the general assembly and at the local level as well. This is huge for Overton County.”
The new facility is located on Rickman Road.
