Hundreds of new jobs are expected with the opening of a new plant at Knox County's Forks of the River Industrial Park.
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett joined officials from Republic Plastics for a ribbon cutting on Friday.
The plant will make styrofoam plates, bowls, and other containers.
Right now, the company employees about 300 people in their Knox County facility.
"We're probably going to add with this expansion another 100, and with the next expansion another 100. So in total we'll probably be up to 500 to 600," said Gino Inman, President and CEO of Republic Plastics.
"I'm just delighted we're talking about more than 100 jobs in this community and that's enormous in this economy. Recent reports have stated manufacturing is where it's at. And this is manufacturing," said Mayor Burchett.
Republic Plastics serves several major retailers, including Walmart, Sam's, Kroger, and Costco.