For the second time in the past three years, Valmont Industries Inc. is expanding its Jasper, Tennessee, plant to boost production of its engineered steel structures built for the utility and transportation industries.

Valmont, which added 65 jobs as part of a $15 million expansion three years ago, is investing another $6 million in its 140,000-square-foot plant this year and plans to add 80 more jobs over the next five years to the 270 workers already employed by the company in Marion County.

“By fueling the growth of our Tennessee operations, driving customer-focused innovation and nurturing workforce development, we’re not just growing our footprint,” Bruce Bacon, senior plant manager at the Valmont plant, said in an announcement of the expansion this week. “Together with our valued partners, we’re building opportunities that are sustainable for generations to come.”

The Omaha, Nebraskabased Valmont opened its plant in Jasper in 2000. The company is benefiting from infrastructure spending plans and new distributed energy generation programs by many utilities, requiring new transmission lines that use Valmont steel poles.

Renee L. Campbell, senior vice president of investor relations at Valmont, said the company has begun recruiting and hiring more workers, already filling 25 of the new jobs.

“The bulk of the 80 additional positions slated

“Valmont pays its employees well, and we’re excited that they are in our community and continue to grow.” — DAVID JACKSON, JACKSON COUNTY MAYOR

for the next five years will be filled by end 2025,” Campbell said in an email Friday. “The ($6 million) investment will be distributed across various areas, including building enhancements, upgrades to machinery and equipment, technological advancements and the development and training of our new workforce positions.”

The plant was previously expanded in size in 2021 on Valmont’s 22-acre complex on Industrial Boulevard along Interstate 24.

Jackson County Mayor David Jackson said Valmont established one of the first apprenticeship programs in welding for high school students in the area, and he praised the company as a strong community partner.

“Valmont pays its employees well, and we’re excited that they are in our community and continue to grow,” Jackson said in a telephone interview Friday.

Campbell said the new jobs “will encompass both skilled roles requiring nationally recognized certifications and entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training, apprenticeships and incumbent worker development programs.”

Established in 1946, Valmont has become a global leader in building infrastructure within lighting and transportation, utility, telecom, solar and agriculture markets through its center pivot irrigation equipment. The company also provides coatings services to protect the life of steel structures.

Valmont Industries’ Jasper location is part of the company’s North American infrastructure operations, which supplies steel poles and structures to utility and transportation markets nationwide.

In an announcement of the latest plant addition, Gov. Bill Lee said “Tennessee’s pro-business climate, talented workforce and quality of life attract and retain companies like Valmont Industries.”