Auto parts manufacturer SL Tennessee expanding in Clinton

SL Tennessee, a company that manufactures automotive parts in Clinton, is expanding their operations, the Anderson County Economic Development Association announced Friday.

The company will lease a 65,000-square-foot building owned by the Hollingsworth Companies in the Eagle Bend Industrial Park. The building will be used primarily for warehousing and distribution and will house about 25 employees, a press release said.

SL Tennessee is a Korean-owned company that manufactures automotive parts including gear shifters, parking brakes, and lighting products.

This will be its fifth expansion since locating in Clinton in 2001, the press release said. With this expansion, SL will have more than 565,000 square feet in their Anderson County facilities. They now have 850 employees and have announced expansions resulting in more than $50 million since 2010.

Clinton Mayor Scott Burton said SL Tennessee is now the largest employer in Clinton’s three industrial parks.

“We are excited to hear that SL Tennessee continues to grow its operations in Clinton,” he said.

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank said she is happy that SL Tennessee has run out of space and needs room to grow.

“I know that Anderson County could not possibly receive a greater compliment than the confidence SL Tennessee has shown by choosing to stay and grow in our county,” Frank said.

Joe Hollingsworth of The Hollingsworth said his company was “very happy” to have played a small part in the SL Tennessee expansion plans, while ACEDA President Tim Thompson said the community is fortunate to have quality buildings available to new and existing industries.