Protomet Corporation opens new, expanded plant and offices in Oak Ridge

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - April 29, 2014 - PRLog -- Protomet Corporation opened its new $6.25 million facility expansion in Oak Ridge this morning. The expansion project, which has been ongoing since June 2013, more than doubles the size of the company's facilities and adds high-tech manufacturing equipment from around the world to the plant.

In addition to the new manufacturing plant, the expansion at Protomet is creating 30 new jobs over the next three years. The company has already added workers to its staff and will continue adding more.

Protomet provides high precision production manufacturing and finishing for clients in a variety of markets including marine/boating, automotive, homeland security, and medical. Protomet partners with company resident engineers to assist in designing parts for the manufacturing process that target the reduction of component cost  by 20 to 75 percent.

"Five years ago, many of the markets we serve were struggling," said Jeff Bohanan, founder and president of Protomet. "Things were tough for the automotive industry and some of the boat manufacturers we serve saw an 80 to 90 percent drop in sales. Virtually all of the boat manufacturers cut back and a large number of people - many of them right here in East Tennessee - lost their jobs.

“The increased demand and growth we are experiencing right now at Protomet is a positive sign for both the local and national economy – things are beginning to pick up in some of the industries hardest-hit by the downturn."

In the past three years, Protomet has doubled its sales and introduced a proprietary line of products marketed under the PTMEdge Watersports brand that makes and markets boating mirrors and wakeboard tower components for boats of all kinds.

Bohanan said, “East Tennessee has a long history of being an innovation center, and Protomet has a culture of innovation and LEAN manufacturing. We design innovation directly into our products and processes – and even package products in a way that better serves our customer’s needs. This has served to build strong strategic relationships.

“We have a strong relationship with East Tennessee, too. We’re committed to this community where our workers live and play. Our management team are long-time residents and we are excited to be adding to the local workforce, hiring and training more local talent. It’s an exciting time.”

The Protomet family of companies includes Protomet Corporation, PTM Edge and 4FF. The company is headquartered in Oak Ridge and was named one of Tennessee’s  “Fast 50” (the state’s fastest growing companies). Protomet Corporation has experienced a 500 percent increase in sales since 2005.

More information is available at http://www.Protomet.com.