Originally published by The Wilson Post
For far too long, Tennessee workers have been forgotten. Careless trade deals, cheap foreign labor, and Joe Biden’s catastrophic economic policies shut down factories — and with them, the American Dream.
However, change is on the horizon in Middle Tennessee. Since President Trump took office in January, American manufacturing has finally taken priority once again, with thousands of steady jobs pouring into once-forgotten communities.
Renowned automation and energy company Schneider Electric has committed to investing $700 million in Mt. Juliet over four years to help bolster U.S. energy infrastructure. This expansion is set to create over 450 new factory jobs alone, not to mention additional jobs for support staff maintaining the facilities.
This investment fosters a stronger, more reliable power grid for the entire country and will make Middle Tennessee a keystone region for powering the future of tech.
In Lewisburg, Cra-Z-Art has committed millions of dollars to grow its toy manufacturing footprint. The New Jersey-based company’s CEO attributed this major expansion of the Marshall County plant to President Trump’s “art-of-the-deal” tariffs on Chinese goods. He said that after the president announced his America First policies, it was time to go “full steam ahead” and manufacture in America.
Thanks to President Trump, now parents can purchase American-made school supplies for their kids.
In Covington, Charms, the maker of the iconic Blow Pop candy, is pouring $97.7 million into expanding its production plant and distribution center. In Selmer, ABB is investing $120 million to expand its low-voltage electrification manufacturing.
These developments represent more than merely American jobs; they represent a systematic reclamation of American supply chains from the hands of our adversaries — and Tennessee is leading the way.
What ties these wins together isn’t coincidence—it’s America First policymaking. From cutting energy regulations to implementing tariffs, President Trump has created an environment where companies are motivated to invest in America again.
It’s more than the number of dollars invested, though; it’s factory floor operators and line supervisors, engineers and logistics teams. It’s parents providing for their families. It’s local businesses gaining new customers. It’s recent graduates coming to Wilson and other counties to start their careers.
In just three months, President Trump has signaled to the world that America is open for business, and Tennessee is leading the charge.
Rep. Andy Ogles, R-TN 5, was elected to Congress from the 5th District (parts of Davidson, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Williamson and Wilson counties) in 2022.