Two Cocke County Manufacturers Receiving Grant Money
Tennessee Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter was in Cocke County on Thursday. Along with Cocke County Partnership Presidents Daryl Brady, they announced that two Cocke County manufacturers would be receiving retainment and retraining grants. These grants are for a total of $4.5 million and will be used to directly aid in retaining or retraining employees who were previously terminated due to destruction of the company’s facilities due to Hurricane Helene in September of 2024.
Eastern Plating and American Applicance are the two Cocke County employers that will be receiving the grant money. Eastern Plating is a leading electroplating manufacturer and has been operating in Newport since their inception in 1983. Eastern Plating has estimated their damages from Helene to be near $10 million. The company has already invested $3.3 million in the facility to rebuild and has been able to rebuild 14 of their 25 plating lines. The grant money will save 141 jobs there.
American Appliance manufactures oven racks and components for heating and air conditioning systems. That facility had six feet of water and mud ankle deep inside after Helene pounded the area on September 27, 2024. American Applicance has invester $15.7 million to bring their operation back online, saving 160 jobs.
In addition to McWhorter and Daryl Brady, Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis, Newport Mayor Trey Dykes, State Senator Steve Southerland and State Representative Jeremy Faision were also in attendance for the announcement of the grants. Here are comments from those dignitairies:
“Since day one, job creation and retention for the citizens of Cocke County have been a top priority of my administration. Even when faced with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, we did not back down from that commitment. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development did not back down, either. This $4.5 million investment and the announcement of over 300 jobs send a clear message that our community is rebuilding, growing, and moving forward together, stronger than ever. I am incredibly proud of the people of Cocke County and the resilience they have shown, and we are so grateful for the continued support of the State of Tennessee and Gov. Lee’s administration.” – Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis
“As Mayor and a native of Newport and Cocke County, I firmly believe that the strength of our community lies not only in attracting new businesses but in retaining and supporting the ones that have already chosen to call our city home. Hurricane Helene devastated many local businesses, and it has been a testament to the resilience and commitment of these local companies that they have chosen to rebuild and remain a part of the community. Our local businesses – large and small – serve as the backbone of our economy and, together, we can build a resilient economy and continue the momentum that will be mutually beneficent for everyone in our community.” – Newport Mayor Roland Dykes III
“A little over a year after Hurricane Helene, these investments show our community’s resilience and determination to move forward. By retaining more than 300 jobs total, Eastern Plating and American Appliance are helping strengthen our recovery and support local families. This continued commitment will have a lasting impact on our local economy.” – Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown)
“Our state will never forget the lives lost and the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene. This significant grant funding will empower hundreds of families in our community by helping provide job security and stability. Cocke County and all affected areas of East Tennessee will rebuild stronger than before thanks to vital support from across the Volunteer State.” – Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby)
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development.