Electrolux to give update

‘Substantial progress report’ on Tuesday

eral contractor on the project , which is being built in Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park, near the Nucor steel mill.

Electrolux has estimated that companies in the eightcounty metro area would handle about $45 million of the $80 million construction portion of the project, with about $35 million going to Shelby County-based companies.

And though Electrolux is not legally bound to hire minority- owned companies, its spokesmen have said at least 15 percent of the $80 million project will go to women and minority businesses.

“We understand we need to engage the community,” said Electrolux project director Jacob Burroughs.

“Nothing this big and good ever comes without pains,” said Wharton. “That’s democracy. That’s the checks-and-balances system at work.”

The new plant, along with a regional headquarters and distribution center, is expected to employ 1,240 workers within five years of the start of production. Economic development officials have said supplier jobs and new cash circulating through the economy from the project could bring the total of new jobs to nearly 8,000.

Luttrell said that questions about local participation in a project expected to produce thousands of jobs was part of a positive process.

“This is a problem we welcome,” he said.

—Amos Maki: (901) 529-2351