Gallatin manufacturing company undertakes $26M expansion – Nashville Post

Report on CDF Distributors’ Expansion and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

CDF Distributors, a commercial door manufacturing and distribution company, has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Gallatin, Middle Tennessee. This report details the investment, its economic impact, and its alignment with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning economic growth, industry, and sustainable communities.

2.0 Project Details and Economic Impact

The expansion represents a major investment in the local economy and infrastructure, directly contributing to regional development objectives.

• Capital Investment: $26 million
• Job Creation: 85 new positions, fostering local employment.
• Infrastructural Development: Relocation to a 194,000-square-foot facility located at 375 Belvedere Drive N., repurposing a site previously occupied by Simpson Strong-Tie.

3.0 Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The initiative by CDF Distributors directly supports the achievement of several SDGs, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   This expansion promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

   • Target 8.1: The $26 million investment stimulates sustained economic growth within the Sumner County region.
   • Target 8.5: The creation of 85 new jobs contributes directly to achieving full, productive, and decent employment for the local community.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   The project builds resilient infrastructure, promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fosters innovation.

   • Target 9.1: The move to a larger, upgraded facility enhances the quality and reliability of regional industrial infrastructure.
   • Target 9.2: The expansion of manufacturing operations promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization in Middle Tennessee.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   This development contributes to making the city of Gallatin more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

   • Target 11.3: By repurposing an existing industrial facility, the project supports inclusive and sustainable urbanization and land-use planning.
   • Target 11.A: The investment strengthens positive economic links between urban and peri-urban areas, reinforcing regional development planning.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article highlights issues related to economic growth, job creation, and industrial development, which directly connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: This goal is central to the article, which focuses on a “$26 million capital investment” and the creation of “85 jobs,” both of which are key drivers of economic growth and employment.
   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article discusses the expansion of a “commercial door manufacturing and distribution company” and its relocation to a larger “194,000-square-foot facility.” This represents an investment in industrial capacity and infrastructure.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The expansion takes place in a specific locality (“Gallatin,” “Sumner County”), contributing to local economic development and making the community more productive and sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the information provided, the following specific targets can be identified:

   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth. The “$26 million capital investment” is a direct contribution to the economic activity and growth of the Gallatin area.
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all. The announcement that the expansion will “yield 85 jobs” directly contributes to this target by increasing employment opportunities in the community.

   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization. The expansion of a “manufacturing and distribution company” enhances the industrial base of the region, contributing to a higher share of industry in local employment and GDP.

   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning. The investment and job creation strengthen the economic base of Gallatin, fostering positive economic development within the region.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article provides specific quantitative data that can serve as indicators for measuring progress:

   For SDG 8 Targets:

   • Indicator related to 8.1.1 (Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita): The “$26 million capital investment” is a direct financial input into the local economy, which can be used as a proxy indicator for contributions to local GDP growth.
   • Indicator related to 8.5.2 (Unemployment rate): The creation of “85 jobs” is a direct and measurable indicator of progress towards achieving higher employment. This number directly impacts the local employment figures and unemployment rate.

   For SDG 9 Targets:

   • Indicator related to 9.2.2 (Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment): The “85 jobs” created are in the manufacturing sector, providing a specific number that contributes to this indicator.

   For SDG 11 Targets:

   • Indicator of Local Economic Investment: While not a formal UN indicator, the “$26 million capital investment” serves as a direct measure of financial commitment to strengthening the local economy of Gallatin, aligning with the goal of Target 11.a.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary Table

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth. 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment.	– $26 million capital investment. – Creation of 85 jobs.
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization.	– Expansion of a manufacturing company. – 85 new manufacturing jobs.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.a: Support positive economic links and strengthen regional development.	– $26 million investment in the local Gallatin economy.

Source: nashvillepost.com