ROCKWOOD, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee helped announce the Protomet Corporation plans to expand its footprint in East Tennessee by establishing engineering and manufacturing operations in Rockwood.

With its expansion into Roane County, Protomet will create 250 new jobs and invest $25 million as the company acquires and retrofits the former Albahealth building on North Gateway Avenue, officials said.  The company hopes to have all renovations completed and begin hiring in the first quarter of 2025.

“Tennessee’s strong business climate is strengthened and shaped by companies like Protomet, and I am proud to take part in announcing this expansion,” said Lee. “I thank Protomet for its commitment to the state’s skilled workforce and for creating greater opportunity across East Tennessee.”

The Roane County facility will be state-of-the art, joining and supporting Protomet’s other manufacturing operations in Loudon and Anderson counties.

“In the last three decades, Tennessee’s pro-business climate has helped fuel our company’s growth. Today, we are excited to announce the creation of our fourth engineering and manufacturing facility in East Tennessee as we partner with the great people of Rockwood to build a bigger future together,” said Protomet Corporation President Jeff Bohanan.

Among those celebrating the announcement were Rockwood Mayor Jason Jolly, who said it will be a giant economic boost for the region.

“When you are the mayor of a small town, bad news travels fast,” Jolly said. “When we got the word Albahealth was closing, it was devastating. Families that worked there for generations were suddenly faced without a job. Then when we heard Protomet was considering buying the property, it was the best news we could ever even imagine. We are so excited to have them in our community and look forward to working with them. This will be a giant economic boost for our city, county and this region. Protomet is made up of a good bunch of people, and we welcome them to our city with open arms.”

Protomet is a manufacturing, engineering and technology corporation headquartered in Loudon that will employ more than 500 people after the Rockwood plant opens.