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Wedlake Industries Expands in Hohenwald with $10M Investment, 46 New Jobs

Issue #339

29 Jan

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌧️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Light rain w/ high of 61

📰 Wedlake Industries Expands in Hohenwald with $10M Investment, 46 New Jobs

📰 Third-Generation Judge Richard Matthews Sworn In as Columbia’s Newest City Judge

📰 Plans Unveiled for Nashville Premium Outlets in Thompson’s Station

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, January 30th

Friday, January 31st

Saturday, February 1st

Sunday, February 2nd

Wedlake Industries Expands in Hohenwald with $10M Investment, 46 New Jobs

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, alongside Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Wedlake Industries officials, has announced a major expansion of the company’s manufacturing operations in Hohenwald, Tennessee.

Wedlake Industries will invest $10 million into the project, bringing 46 new jobs to Lewis County. The expansion comes after the company’s acquisition by GZ North America, strategically positioning Wedlake Industries near its subsidiaries, Nashville Record Pressing and Memphis Record Pressing. These facilities will directly source vinyl record compound from Hohenwald, strengthening Tennessee’s role in the growing vinyl industry.

Once completed, the expansion will make Wedlake Industries the largest vinyl record compound manufacturer in North America. The facility will also continue to serve customers across other industries, reinforcing its long-term presence in the region.

Gov. Bill Lee emphasized that Tennessee’s skilled workforce and pro-business environment make it an ideal location for companies like Wedlake Industries to grow. He highlighted the positive impact of these new jobs on Lewis County families. Commissioner McWhorter echoed this sentiment, noting that the expansion strengthens GZ Media’s presence in Tennessee and further supports the state’s thriving vinyl record production.

Shawn Johnson, president of GZ North America, expressed excitement about the company’s future, saying, “We are excited about our investment in Wedlake Industries. The company’s great people, facilities, and strategic location will allow us to support the music industry in Tennessee and beyond with the industry’s most advanced and customer-focused vinyl pressing operation. In addition, Wedlake Industries’ customers in other industries will benefit from our expanded and modernized facilities.”

Since 2020, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has backed 52 projects in Southern Middle Tennessee, leading to over 7,000 job commitments and nearly $6 billion in capital investments.

Third-Generation Judge Richard Matthews Sworn In as Columbia’s Newest City Judge

From City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the swearing-in of Richard Matthews as the new City Judge. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and the University of Memphis School of Law, Judge Matthews has built a distinguished career in law. He has served as a member and former Board of Governors member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and was inducted as a Fellow with the Tennessee Bar Foundation in 2016.

Judge Matthews continues a family tradition, becoming the third generation to serve in the judiciary. The City of Columbia looks forward to the leadership, integrity, and expertise he will bring to the role.

Plans Unveiled for Nashville Premium Outlets in Thompson’s Station

Credit: Simon®

Simon®, a leading real estate investment trust, has announced plans to develop Nashville Premium Outlets, a luxury shopping and lifestyle destination in Thompson’s Station. The project will be located at the intersection of Interstate 65 and Interstate 840, making it easily accessible for residents, tourists, and shoppers from across the region.

The development will span approximately 325,000 square feet and is set to feature around 75 high-end retailers, dining establishments, and a hotel. Future expansions may include residential spaces, big-box retail stores, and additional amenities. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.

Simon is partnering with Nashville-based Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners, a company known for its expertise in hospitality and real estate development. This collaboration aims to bring a premier shopping and entertainment experience to the growing Nashville market.

The new outlet center will complement Simon’s existing properties in the metro area, including Opry Mills, the region’s largest shopping center, and The Mall at Green Hills, known for its high-end fashion and luxury boutiques. By adding Nashville Premium Outlets, Simon will expand its range of shopping experiences in the area, offering options from value to luxury.

Local officials have welcomed the development, citing its potential to create jobs, boost the local economy, and enhance community amenities. The project aligns with Thompson’s Station’s growth vision while maintaining the town’s character.

Simon continues to invest in new retail destinations nationwide, with recent successes such as Tulsa Premium Outlets, which opened fully leased in August 2024. The addition of Nashville Premium Outlets reflects the company’s commitment to meeting evolving consumer demands and providing top-tier shopping experiences.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, January 30th

Kylie Brown, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, January 31st

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Grinder's Switch, 6-8 PM
Yonder Grove, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Deltaz, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Tennessee Stills, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, February 1st

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Boomerang, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Backlit, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, February 2nd

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Thomas Waves, The Rebel, 4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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