Memphis Welcomes New Job Opportunities as AAON Breaks Ground
Memphis is buzzing with excitement as Oklahoma-based AAON Inc. announces the opening of a brand-new $238.5 million production facility in the city. Just days after the project was confirmed, the company is already in full hiring mode, and local residents are eager to seize this fantastic employment opportunity. With the promise of 828 new jobs over the coming years, it’s clear that this project is about to make a big splash in the community!
Why Memphis? It’s All About Location and Workforce!
So, what led AAON to choose Memphis for this ambitious venture? According to Matt Shaub, the global director of product management at AAON, the decision boiled down to two key factors: the facility’s location on Tradeport Drive and the city’s robust workforce. AAON was looking to expand beyond its home base in Tulsa, and after considering various locations across the nation for about a year, Memphis shone through as the ideal choice.
“We were looking east of the Mississippi River to diversify geographically,” Shaub explained. “Once we zeroed in on available properties, Tradeport’s clean facility stood out, allowing for quicker adaptation to manufacturing processes.” Sounds like a perfect match, right?
The Hiring Process is Already in Motion
Hiring is already underway, and the company is keen to engage and train Memphians to put them right to work. Shaub shared, “We want to be in full production by the end of next year and attract a lot of Memphians to work very quickly.” They aim to have their first production run ready by Q1 2025. How’s that for ambition?
Key Collaborations Pave the Way
AAON’s success in picking Memphis was also supported by collaboration with local entities, including the State of Tennessee, the City of Memphis, and the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) for Memphis and Shelby County. “This teamwork really made a difference in our decision,” Shaub said, highlighting how the support system in Memphis truly caught AAON’s attention.
In terms of workforce, the company found that Memphis had a great pool of skilled laborers, especially in areas like welding and electrical work. “We were excited to see that the talent availability here outshone our options in Tulsa,” Shaub affirmed.
Meeting the Growing Demand for HVAC
The urgency of this new production facility stems from an overwhelming demand for HVAC solutions driven by the booming data center industry across the nation. Although AAON kept the specifics of its clients under wraps, they indicated that they’re gearing up to serve national, large-scale data center developers. In fact, Shaub mentioned, “The pressure to scale quickly is certainly there.”
The Future Looks Bright!
With plans for the Memphis facility to play a crucial part in AAON’s growth strategy, the company aims to capitalize on the skyrocketing demand for data centers. The pipeline of opportunities also points to a future that is not just local, but potentially international!
All in all, it looks like Memphis is in for a wave of positive change with AAON’s expansion. For the job seekers and the local economy, it’s a moment to celebrate as new paths to success are being paved right here in the Bluff City. So, if you’re on the lookout for a job or just excited about more robust economic activity in Memphis, keep an eye on AAON and their journey ahead!
Stay tuned for more updates and, who knows, perhaps your next job could be just around the corner thanks to AAON!
