S tella-Lee, Deputy Gov. and De partment of Economic and Community Development

Jones Corpora- Commissioner Stuart C. tion is expanding its McWhorter and Stellapresence in Tennessee Jones Corporation offiwith a new lattice tower cials announced last week manufacturing facility in the company, founded in Lincoln County. Tennessee Gov. Bill 1992, would locate its first U.S.-based steel structure manufacturing in Fayetteville. As part of the project, Stella-Jones plans to create nearly 230 jobs and invest $45 million in Fayetteville, Tennessee. This new facility, which will be located in the Runway Centre Industrial Park, will allow Stella- Jones to better support the growing demand by utilities across the country. The site is expected to be fully commissioned by the end of 2027, according to officials.

“We are truly pleased to announce Fayetteville as the home of our first U.S.based steel structure manufacturing facility,” said Eric Vachon, Stella-Jones president and chief executive officer. “As we prepare the site, we look forward to building on our longstanding relationship with the state of Tennessee and to playing an active role in the broader community. We are grateful to soon call Fayetteville home as we continue to invest and focus to support the needs of our utility customers across the country.”

“Today’s announcement reinforces that Tennessee is not only leading the nation as the best state to do business but also as a top hub for global brands,” said Gov. Lee. “We’re proud that StellaJones is expanding into Middle Tennessee and look forward to seeing the opportunity these nearly 230 jobs will have on the families across Lincoln County for years to come.”

The company — headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada — manufactures infrastructure products, which include treated wood utility poles, treated wood crossarms and steel lattice towers, as well as railway ties and residential lumber in 45 manufacturing locations across North America.

According to state officials, since 2019, Canada has emerged as the state’s No. 2 partner for job creation through foreign direct investment (FDI) with Canadian companies creating more than 4,000 jobs statewide.

“Companies always have a choice in where they choose to do business, and we’re thrilled that Stella-Jones is furthering its commitment to Tennessee by investing in a new location in Fayetteville,” said Mc-Whorter. “Congratulations on today’s announcement and thank you to the partners that came together to bring this project to fruition.”

Local officials including Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development, TVA, and Lincoln County Mayor Bill Newman said they are excited to welcome Stella-Jones Inc. to Lincoln County.

“Working in partnership with Fayetteville Public Utilities, Fayetteville- Lincoln County Industrial Development Board, Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association and the Tennessee said. “We’re proud to partner with Stella-Jones as they expand their footprint in Tennessee and look forward to the longterm economic impact this project will have on our workforce and local families.”

Joel Jacobsen, chairman of the Fayetteville- Lincoln County Industrial Development Board, said the board is “pleased” Stella-Jones selected Lincoln County.

“The company’s operations will be based in the recently completed 100,800-square-foot spec building at the Runway Centre, located adjacent to the airport,” Jacobsen said. “Stella-Jones plans to employ approximately 230 team members and is developing expansion plans.”

Jacobsen said Stella- Jones is a recognized leader in producing steel lattice towers for North America’s electrical grid. “Their investment marks a significant milestone for continued economic growth and infrastructure development in our community,” he said.

Stella-Jones Corporation has recently been referred to as “Project Pillar.”

The Lincoln County Commission approved a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement during its February meeting as a way to attract a possible industry looking at the county as a place to establish operations. The motion for the PILOT was unanimously approved by all commissioners in attendance. District 2 Commissioner Terri Rogers and District 3 Commissioner Mark Mitchell were absent from the meeting.

A PILOT agreement is a form of tax incentive used to support development in the state of Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury State Board of Equalization. A PILOT agreement allows for a business to rent from a government-owned property and pay an alternative amount such as the costs of development or additional jobs in lieu of a typical property tax, according to the State Board of Equalization. Tennessee law requires businesses leasing property from certain public boards and authorities to annually report to the State Board of Equalization concerning the leased properties.

State officials said Stella- Jones’ decision to invest in Lincoln County is also good for the region.

Sen. Janice Bowling, R-Tullahoma, called it “outstanding news. This significant investment in Fayetteville reflects the strength of our workforce and the business-friendly environment we’ve worked hard to build.”

Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, said “Tennessee continues to be a beacon for businesses because of our low taxes, family-friendly policies and highly skilled workforce.” He said this is “a significant announcement that will lead to hundreds of new quality jobs and strengthen Lincoln County’s growing manufacturing sector.

“I’m grateful to the company and local leaders who made this project a reality, and I look forward to seeing its lasting impact on our community,” he said.

About Stella-Jones

Stella-Jones Inc. (TSX: SJ) is a leading North American manufacturer of products focused on supporting infrastructure essential to the electrical distribution and transmission network and the operation and maintenance of railway transportation systems. It supplies the continent’s major electrical utility companies with treated wood poles and crossarms, steel lattice towers and steel transmission poles, as well as North America’s Class 1, short line and commercial railroad operators with treated wood railway ties and timbers. It also supports infrastructure with industrial products, namely timbers for railway bridges, crossings and construction, marine and foundation pilings and coal tar-based products. The company also manufactures and distributes premium treated residential lumber and accessories to Canadian and American retailers for outdoor applications, with a significant portion of the business devoted to servicing Canadian customers through its national manufacturing and distribution network. For more information, visit www.stella-jones.com. Department of Economic and Community Development furthers our shared commitment to fostering economic growth in the region,” Smith said. “Stella-Jones’ establishment here represents investment and the creation of job opportunities for the communities we serve. TVA is proud to support companies that contribute to the prosperity and vibrancy of our region.”

Newman said, “Lincoln County continues to diversify its industrial base with the announcement of Stella-Jones coming to our Runway Industrial Park. I want to thank TVA, the State of Tennessee and Elaine Middleton and her staff at the industrial development board for all they have done to make this project a reality. The dedicated workforce in Lincoln County is a major reason for Stella-Jones to locate here. The mayor’s office, county government and our citizens stand ready to make Stella-Jones welcome and successful.”

Middleton, executive director of the Fayetteville- Lincoln County Industrial Development Board, said Stella-Jones’ decision to establish its first U.S. steel lattice tower manufacturing facility in Lincoln County is “a major win for our community.”

“This $45-million investment and the creation of nearly 230 high-quality jobs further solidify Fayetteville’s position as a growing hub for advanced manufacturing,” Middleton