News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Portobello is still coming to Baxter.
The tile and ceramics manufacturer has been delayed in its efforts to break ground because of weather and COVID-19. Baxter mayor John Martin said despite the pandemic, Portobello is still working to reassure citizens they are still coming.
“They’ve contracted a company to build a large sign to go on their site to more or less show everyone that Portobello is still on,” Martin said. “It kindly gives the highlight of what Portobello is.”
TDOT began surveying and planning for an access road to Portobello during April 1. By June, Martin said the company will meet with environmental officials to determine when construction will begin.
Martin said this project will be a valuable asset to the community.
“You’re talking about 225 jobs,” Martin said. “They’re good jobs. They will build the warehouse first and the office space, and then as soon as they get that done they’ll start the manufacturing part of it. It’ll be a big impact on the City of Baxter.”
June was the original beginning construction date, but Martin expects construction to begin in the next few months.
