ERIN EDGEMON, Business Editor
Posted: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 3:59 pm

Some 100-250 new jobs will be brought to Middle Tennessee as Murfreesboro-based The Davis Groupe contracts with a Washington-based company to protype, manufacture and distribute LED lights.

This is big news for Rutherford County as in phases two and three of the project some 2,000 jobs could be created over the long term, said state Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

Up to 250 jobs could be created within 18 months.

The Davis Groupe will manufacture, protype and distribute 30 different types of lights under the Aladdin Mantle Lamp Company name, which is based in Clarksville.

Jimmy Davis, chief manager of The Davis Groupe, said those looking for jobs should remain patient. Information about jobs, which will first include assembly jobs, will be available on the company's Web site www.davisgroupe.com

“I think it is big in more than one way,” said Holly Weber, vice president of economic development for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. “It is job creation. It is bringing a new industry into Middle Tennessee.

The Davis Groupe has contracted with NCS Power to prototype, manufacture and distribute LED lights.

LED lighting is currently becoming the new source of lighting preferred by municipal governments and private developers. LED lighting is a more sustainable, environmentally friendly method of lighting. The LED lights have been proven to last longer than traditional lighting methods and reduce energy costs. Currently, The Davis Groupe is seeking orders and has met with several municipalities and companies in middle Tennessee.

Currently, the LED lights from NCS Power are being manufactured in China.

The relationship between The Davis Groupe and NCS Power will bring that technology and the assembly/manufacturing operations to Murfreesboro and the region.

Ketron has been the force behind the development of this partnership.

The Davis Groupe has been in Murfreesboro for more than 12 years.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Murfreesboro, the region and Tennessee for us to become the leader in alternative energy and sustainability”, Davis said. "It fits very nicely with Lance Chandler’s (Chief Technology Officer of NCS) vision that Tennessee should be the lighting capital of the world as well as Sen. Bill Ketron’s vision that Tennessee be “The (Alternative) Energy capital of the world”.

LED lights are more durable and can last up to 50,000 hours.

The Davis Groupe has its roots deeply entrenched in the automotive industry, being an OEM supplier to Nissan and Toyota. The company views this is an opportunity to transfer the skill sets and technology from the automotive industry to alternative energy practices and technology.

“Through our efforts with Destination Rutherford, we continue to find opportunities for our existing companies and new companies to do business in Rutherford County. This is an exciting day for our community and we will continue our strategy to diversify our economic base,” Weber said.

The Davis Groupe plans to partner with many companies in Tennessee to transition all R&D, assembly, manufacturing and distribution of the LED lighting products.