Advanced Manufacturing Comes to the Upper Cumberland: Anatolia Cabinet & Millwork Announces $9.6M Investment in Baxter
56 new jobs. AI-integrated production. A boost for workforce opportunity.
The region’s manufacturing landscape will soon take a major leap forward thanks to Anatolia Cabinet & Millwork’s decision to locate their first Tennessee facility in the City of Baxter, Putnam County. Anatolia Cabinet & Millwork is investing $9.6 million and committing to create 56 new direct jobs in the facility. The company’s choice positions the region to capture additional economic activity and workforce growth as the project matures.
What sets this project apart is its scope of innovation: the new factory will be Tennessee’s first and only cabinet and millwork manufacturing facility operating with an AI-integrated production system, according to the announcement. This level of advanced manufacturing signals a shift in how regional plants are designed and operated; bringing high-tech capability to a traditionally industrial segment.
Benefits for the Workforce & Region
For the Upper Cumberland and Putnam County, this announcement represents more than just capital investment - it means real opportunity for the local workforce:
The creation of 56 new jobs provides entry and mid-level pathways for individuals looking to up-skill or start a manufacturing career.
As the facility grows, ripple effects can expand opportunities in supplier, professional, logistics and support roles.
Introduction of AI and automation technologies in the plant means the future workforce will need training in digital tools, machine operation, quality control, and smart manufacturing practices.
The facility helps broaden the region’s manufacturing base and reinforces the Upper Cumberland’s reputation as a site for advanced industrial investment - opening doors for additional projects.
At Workforce Connections, we believe this investment aligns directly with our mission: supporting individuals and employers so the region can thrive. As training and employment opportunities expand, we’re ready to work with local partners, schools, and workforce programs to prepare job-seekers for these new roles. We’ll also collaborate with Anatolia Cabinet & Millwork and other employers to ensure a pipeline of skilled and ready workers - residents of Cookeville, Putnam County, and surrounding communities. With groundbreaking already underway and site infrastructure moving forward, the next steps for this project will involve hiring, workforce training, and community engagement. As the facility ramps up, we’ll keep local residents informed on how they can get involved, what types of jobs will be available, and how they can prepare.
This project is a win not just for one company, but for the region’s economy and its workforce. It shows what is possible when advanced manufacturing meets local talent, community focus, and strong partnerships. At Workforce Connections, we’re excited to see this investment take root - and to support the hundreds of individuals who will benefit.
