Time to become a manufacturing force

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (May 29, 2008)—“Your presence today reinforces the commitment and support that you have shown over the past two years,” Fred Panini, president of Starplex Scientific Inc., said to the crowd gathered to celebrate the recent ribbon cutting of the Canadian manufacturer now operating in the Cleveland/Bradley Industrial Park.

Starplex Scientific, a Toronto-based pharmaceutical plastics company, broke ground on its first U.S. operation on a 12-acre site in the south industrial park in March 2007 and officially opened its doors of operation in April 2008.

“From the very infancy of this project, we have been offered tremendous support, guidance and encouragement,” Panini noted. “As many of you may already be aware, the idea to locate in Tennessee was the result of viewing a sign, while traveling on vacation, stating ‘Chattanooga Can Do.’ Through the diligence and combined efforts of the state of Tennessee, Bradley/Cleveland Industrial Board, City of Cleveland, Chamber of Commerce, Bradley County, and the TVA team both here and in Canada, I began to learn the many benefits of being located in Tennessee.

He continued, “Not only is Tennessee a prime location for distribution, being situated on the axis of I-75 and I-40, but it also offers a motivated work force demonstrating a strong work ethic.”

The president of the Canadian-based manufacturer also stressed the need for North America to rethink its approach to manufacturing.

“Due to changing conditions in the international market, the time has come for North America to retrench and once again become a strong manufacturing force,” he said. “Our customers demand high quality, consistency and on-time delivery. It is our belief that we can achieve the high expectations of our customers . . . here, in Tennessee.”

Commissioner Matt Kisber with the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development was also present for the Starplex Scientific ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

“Not long ago at all I was here for the groundbreaking of this facility, imagining what it might look like and how it would impact the economy of this region,” Commissioner Matt Kisber said.

“Now I’m pleased to officially welcome Starplex Scientific to the state of Tennessee and to the United States, and I want to thank you for your investment in this community.”

Kisber also explained to local business leaders and Canadian representatives Gov. Phil Bredesen’s Jobs Cabinet, which streamlines the relocation and expansion process for businesses by coordinating the efforts of state departments such as economic and community development, labor, transportation, revenue and environment to cut through red tape.

“In addition to making sure our house is in order and our key players are working together,” he said, “the governor has emphasized building partnerships across state lines and ultimately across national borders. . . . [This] ribbon cutting ceremony is proof that Governor Bredesen and I are every bit as committed to cultivating a fruitful partnership with our Canadian neighbors.            A few months ago, Gov. Bredesen and Commissioner Kisber traveled to Montreal and signed the Southeast U.S.-Canada Agreement with Canadian leaders, formalizing Tennessee’s efforts to work collaboratively for the mutual benefit of both countries.

“The real key to the success of Tennessee and Canada’s relationship is cooperation,” Kisber stressed. “International cooperation has been crucial in bringing Starplex to this point, but on a more basic level, what we’re seeing is the result of regional cooperation between Cleveland and Bradley County, Chattanooga and the Southeast Development District.”

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