Governor Lee, Commissioner McWhorter Announce DePre to Establish Headquarters and Manufacturing Operations in Knox County

NASHVILLE, Tenn., September 22 ─ Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and DePre, LLC officials announced today that a joint venture comprised of DeRoyal Industries, Inc., Premier, Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC), a leading technology-driven healthcare improvement company and 34 Premier member health systems will establish a healthcare products manufacturing facility in Powell, Tennessee.

DePre will invest $10.3 million in operations and create 26 new jobs at the company’s headquarters and manufacturing plant on West Beaver Creek Road.

The company will manufacture medical isolation gowns, bringing the production of this product from overseas to the U.S. to support more than 4,350 hospitals in Premier’s customer portfolio, as well as other healthcare providers nationwide. To support the venture long term, health system co-investors signed multi-year commitments to purchase a portion of the isolation gowns used each year from DePre. Upon completion, DePre’s facility will also utilize state-of-the-art automation to produce two gowns per second.

Founded in 1973, and headquartered in Powell, Tennessee, DeRoyal Industries is a global medical manufacturer that serves its worldwide customer base with product and business solutions that include patient care products, orthopedic supports and bracing, surgical and safety devices, wound care and Continuum^Ò integrated inventory management technologies.

Premier unites an alliance of more than 4,350 U.S. hospitals and health systems and approximately 300,000 other providers to transform healthcare. With integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions, and consulting and other services, Premier enables better care outcomes at a lower cost. Premier plays a critical role in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry, collaborating with members to co-develop long-term innovations that reinvent and improve the way care is delivered to patients nationwide. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Premier is passionate about transforming American healthcare.

Since 2019, TNECD has supported nearly 20 economic development projects in Knox County, resulting in approximately 1,800 job commitments and $115 million in capital investment.

QUOTES

“Companies choose to call Tennessee home thanks to our strong business climate and highly skilled workforce. I thank DePre for its commitment to creating new opportunities for families across Knox County and am proud that East Tennessee will continue to be a hub for healthcare.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Tennessee is a top exporter of medical equipment, making our state the ideal location for DePre to produce isolation gowns. I welcome DePre to the Volunteer State and thank DeRoyal Industries for its continued investment in Powell and Knox County.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter

“We are delighted to bring more jobs to the East Tennesssee region where work ethic and quality production is embodied with the team at DePre. For 50 years, DeRoyal Industries has manufactured medical devices that improve the clinical quality and economic health of our customers. The partnership between DeRoyal Industries, Premier Inc. and 34 Premier member health systems support the need for essential medical products allowing for continuous supply to customers when needed.” – DeRoyal President & CEO Brian DeBusk

“A strong workforce, expanding infrastructure and robust business environment make Tennessee an ideal location for the production of isolation gowns – a vital product for our nation’s healthcare providers. We thank the Governor, the TNECD and local officials for their work with us on this project. This investment and their support will help drive greater domestic production of the supplies providers need to care for patients – and strengthen resiliency in the U.S. healthcare supply chain.” – Michael J. Alkire, President and CEO, Premier

“TVA and Knoxville Utilities Board congratulate DePre on its decision to expand operations and create new job opportunities and investment in Powell. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s commitment to continued growth in the region. We are proud to partner with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the Knoxville Chamber, Knox County, and East Tennessee Economic Development Agency to help support companies like DePre, and we look forward to its continued growth.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development

“I am excited to see these two great companies choose Powell for the production facility for this important joint venture. Our workforce in East Tennessee is second to none, and I am grateful to see these new opportunities created for our workers.” – Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-McNally)

“I am proud to welcome DePre to Powell and Knox County. Companies continue to move to Tennessee because of the overwhelming success they can have in our state. This significant investment will result in more jobs and economic opportunities for residents. I look forward to the positive impact this company will have in our community.” – Rep. Michele Carringer (R-Knoxville)

The above press release content is republished, with permission, from the Office of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.