Broadband Vital for New TCAT Campus at Ford’s BlueOval City

Economic development continues in Tennessee

After Ford announced its commitment to invest $5.6 billion in Tennessee, leaders across the region were quick to highlight the importance of a highly-skilled workforce to make the investment successful.

To help prepare Tennesseans for the jobs, Gov. Bill Lee recently announced a new Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) campus will be created near the Memphis Regional Megasite.

The new TCAT will provide customized training developed in conjunction with Ford and SK Innovation for the new electric vehicle and battery production and repair. The training and curriculum will focus on mechatronics engineering and auto mechanics.

“Ford’s investment locks in Tennessee as a true automotive state,” says Levoy Knowles, Tennessee Broadband Association government affairs director. “Broadband is a crucial component of recruitment not only for economic development but also to serve the 3,600-acre site and surrounding area.”

Leaders project a total economic impact of five to six times Ford’s initial investment, potentially equating to more than $40 billion invested in the Volunteer State and the Memphis region.

“It’s the largest investment of any business in Tennessee history,” says Knowles. “Thinking ahead to the jobs it’ll create, and the technology and broadband needed, the impact to Tennessee will be unbelievable.”