Friday, November 20, 2015

Partnership proposes to sell former NPI plant
Members of the Cocke County Partnership and Economic Development Commission agreed Thursday evening to offer a lease/purchase proposal to a firm that is interested in the former NPI building in the industrial park. The building is owned by the Partnership. President Lucas Graham reported that the Holland based firm produces raw materials for the nearby RGE operation, which produces plastic injection molding. The owner of the firm says he plans to have up to 50 employees, an investment of $750,000 in machinery and a total capital investment of $3.5 million within five years. Graham recommended that the firm be given a proposed sales price of $600,000, to be paid off over 10 years at $5,400 monthly. He added that there also are state grants available to assist in luring the firm. The 30,000 square foot structure currently is being rented for storage. Operations Manager Sherry Butler reported the recent wind storm, damaged the Partnership owned spec building in the industrial park, but it has been repaired temporarily. Cocke County Tourism Director Linda Lewanski reported that the Newport Kiwanis Club is proposing to re-activate the Ramp festival. It at one time was the longest running outdoor festival in Tennessee, but has been dormant for several years. Plans call for the annual festival to be hosted at the Cocke County A & I Fairgrounds. Lewanski said she is expecting a visit from State Tourism Commissioner Kevin Tripplett, in the near future.


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