WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., praised the announcement of a $27 million business investment and as many as 1,000 new jobs in Pikeville, Bledsoe County, an economically distressed area in Tennessee’s Fourth District, which he represents in Congress.

    Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Bledsoe County Mayor Gregg Ridley, Pikeville Mayor Philip Cagle, and representatives of the Textile Corporation of America made the announcement at the future site of Textile Corp.’s manufacturing facility in Pikesville yesterday. The company plans to refurbish a shuttered automotive plant and train employees quickly to produce American-made goods. 

    “This is a great story,” said Rep. DesJarlais, who is in Washington this week to work on health care, veterans issues and tax reform. “A local entrepreneur made an investment in his community. Manufacturing jobs are coming back to the United States, especially Tennessee. Nationwide, we’re producing more energy, constructing better infrastructure, and attracting foreign and domestic investment.”

    Shirley Pond, who staffs the Congressman’s field office in Cleveland, attended the event in his place.

    Rep. DesJarlais pointed to his home state’s pro-growth economic policies, such as low taxes and regulations. This year in Congress, he and Republicans successfully canceled $70 billion of federal regulations, costing Americans jobs and income. However, jobs in Bledsoe County, where the jobless rate is the fifth highest in Tennessee, are lagging behind.

    “This is an exciting time for Bledsoe County,” Mayor Ridley said. “A Tier Four economically distressed county getting 1,000 local jobs is a pivotal moment for our citizens and an answer to many prayers. I welcome Textile Corporation of America to our community and trust they will experience many years of prosperity.”

    Textile Corp.’s payroll will be approximately $1 million each month and add $35 million annually to the region’s economy, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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