Workforce
The Innovation Valley is often referred to as America's "productivity center."
Our companies draw their employees from a large geographical area, and the regions's skilled labor force is key in attracting new business. The workforce in the region also has an exceptionally strong work ethic. Affordability, greater productivity, lower absenteeism and higher degree of company loyalty are major competitive advantages for companies located in the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Region.
- Very low worker turnover and absenteeism rates
- A strong work ethic
- Available skilled laborers
- Highly ranked training programs
- Supportive educational facilities
Unionization
The region is also one of the least unionized urban areas in the U.S.
| Unionization for manufacturing employment 2002 | |
|---|---|
| Source: The UT Center for Business and Economic Research | |
| Knoxville Region | 7% |
| Tennessee | 9% |
| United States | 12% |
Tennessee is a right-to-work state.
"We are particularly pleased with the availability of high quality, intelligent and motivated employees."
Bill Rowe, Plant Manager, Kimberly Clark
