Snap-on Tools' Elizabethton facility expanded

By Greg Miller
STAR STAFF
gmiller@starhq.com

   Snap-on Tools Elizabethton facility has hired about 140 workers since last September.
   Those workers were among 200 employees who received basic safety training at the Tennessee Technology Center (TTC) in the Watauga Park. The training was completed in January, according to Mike Cole, facilities manager at TTC.
   About 100 additional workers will receive training in CNC (Computer Numerical Control), lathes and mills. That training, which will begin April 1, will also include an assessment, math, blueprint and machine operations.
   According to a news release provided by Haynes Elliott, Executive Director of the Carter County Economic Development Commission, in 1974 Snap-on Tools was located in a 13,000 square-foot building on an eight-acre tract of land on State Line Road. "Since then, they have periodically expanded in this location," Elliott said.
   According to the news release, several years ago when Jarl Industries (next door) sold to Alcan, Elliott "was able to get Alcan to sell some additional land to Snap-on Tools, which is now being used in their present expansion plans."
   Snap-on recently leased additional space in the PSG building in Hunter temporarily until their present facility is expanded by 30,000 square feet.
   "We have worked with Haynes and the EDC for many years," said Bill Quinlivan, with Snap-on's headquarters in Kenosha, Wis. "We have had an excellent relationship and cooperation on this present expansion, as well as in the past.
   "We look forward to working with the Economic Development Commission in our existing and future expansions here in Elizabethton."