Chattanooga, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Master Machine is set to expand its operations in Chattanooga with an investment of $11.7 million, targeting the creation of 44 new jobs by 2029. The company will consolidate its facilities into a new site, enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations. Supported by public grants and strong partnerships, this expansion underscores the region’s significance in advanced manufacturing, particularly in the nuclear sector.
Chattanooga is set to welcome a significant expansion from Master Machine, a company specializing in precision machining for the nuclear sector. With a planned investment of $11.7 million, Master Machine aims to create 44 new jobs by the end of 2029, offering an average wage of $72,330. This wage exceeds the county’s current average of $66,000 by more than 11%.
The expansion comes with a public grant of $3,000 per job created, amounting to $135,000 from city and county sources, available from 2026 through 2033. The funds are part of the High Growth Jobs and Investment Program, designed to support growth in smaller projects that could not qualify for significant tax breaks.
Master Machine plans to consolidate its operations into a new 79,000-square-foot facility located at 200 Compress St. off Manufacturers Road, previously the site of Applied Thermal Coatings. Currently, the company operates in two locations in East Chattanooga, with additional storage facilities. This consolidation is anticipated to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
About Master Machine
Founded in 1993, Master Machine initially focused on servicing the local carpet industry. However, under the leadership of Warren Brandon, who acquired the company in 2014, it shifted its focus to specialized machining in the nuclear sector. Since this transition, the company has expanded its workforce from 11 to 72 employees and experienced an incredible revenue increase of 1,600%.
Key Partnerships and Support
Master Machine’s expansion is supported by major clients such as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and facilities of the U.S. Department of Energy, including the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge and the Pantex nuclear weapons plant in Texas. The TVA has expressed its support for the expansion, facilitating local sourcing of necessary components.
The company stands out as the first outside Oak Ridge to receive funding from Tennessee’s $70 million Nuclear Energy Fund, which aims to attract and support nuclear-related businesses. Local officials, including Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, have shown strong backing for this endeavor.
Strategic Importance of the Expansion
This expansion underscores Chattanooga’s role as a strategic location for advanced manufacturing, driven by the availability of a skilled workforce. The decision to remain in Chattanooga, as opposed to relocating to Wilmington, North Carolina, highlights the city’s advantages for manufacturing operations.
Performance-Based Incentives
The financial incentives for Master Machine are performance-based, requiring the company to fulfill 90% of its job creation goals and submit annual compliance reports to receive agreed-upon funding. This system not only supports job growth but also holds the company accountable for its commitments.
Conclusion
Master Machine’s expansion represents a substantial boost to the manufacturing sector in Chattanooga, positioning the company for continued growth and contributing to the local economy. The creation of high-paying jobs and increased local investment signifies the commitment of both the company and local officials to fostering advanced manufacturing in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the investment amount for Master Machine’s expansion?
Master Machine is investing $11.7 million into its operations expansion.
How many jobs will the expansion create?
The expansion will create 44 new jobs by the end of 2029.
What average wage will these new jobs offer?
The average wage for the new jobs will be $72,330.
Where will Master Machine’s new facility be located?
The new facility will be located at 200 Compress St. off Manufacturers Road in Chattanooga.
What type of work does Master Machine specialize in?
Master Machine specializes in fabricating and welding components for nuclear plants, submarines, and bomb-grade uranium storage.
Key Features of Master Machine’s Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | $11.7 million |
| New Jobs Created | 44 jobs |
| Average Wage | $72,330 |
| Location of New Facility | 200 Compress St., Chattanooga |
| Company Specialization | Fabrication and welding for nuclear and defense industries |
| Funding per Job | $3,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Master’s Machine Expansion
- Wikipedia: Nuclear Industry
- WDEF: Local Expansion Announcement
- Google Search: Master Machine Chattanooga
- TNECD: Manufacturing Operations Expansion
- Google Scholar: Manufacturing Expansion Chattanooga
- News Channel 9: Job Creation News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing in Tennessee
- IEN: Nuclear Power Manufacturing Expansion
- Google News: Nuclear Manufacturing Chattanooga
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
