MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Following a letter from Memphis and Shelby County leaders, Electrolux has vowed to increase its commitment to use local contractors and businesses while constructing the appliance company's new multi-million dollar Memphis facility.
The letter to Electrolux was signed on December 27, 2011.
In a company news release on Dec. 30, Electrolux announced that more than 50 percent of the $80 million construction spending would go to Memphis-area firms, with a minimum of 15 percent going to minority- and women-owned area businesses. Electrolux originally committed to spend $30 million with local firms.
WG Yates & Sons was also named as the general contractor for the project; the company's corporate headquarters are in Philadelphia, Mississippi with an office in Memphis.
Electrolux and Yates will meet with Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell on Jan. 12 to discuss further local participation.
"Today’s announcement is a good start in our efforts to revitalize our local business economy. We will continue to talk with Electrolux officials and the General Contractor to help ensure there is more involvement from Shelby County area contractors, especially minority-owned and women-owned businesses," Mayor Luttrell stated in the release.
Mayor Wharton added, in part, "Today is just a beginning… as we move forward with future phases of this project, we have every confidence the company will continue to show its commitment to minority and local participation."
