Electrolux today named WG Yates & Sons Construction as its general contractor for the construction of its new North American Cooking Products manufacturing center in Memphis.  Yates will be responsible for the management of the $80 million construction project.

In addition, the company announced that more than 50 percent of the $80 million construction spend would go to Memphis-area firms, with a minimum of 15 percent going to minority and women-owned area businesses.  Electrolux originally committed to spend $30 million with local firms, and this represents a 50 percent increase in local spending.  The company has already spent $5 million with 10 other local firms.

Winter is upon us and more Tennesseans are flipping the switch on their heaters and discovering it is time to upgrade their systems.  The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Energy Division reminds Tennesseans that there is still more than $1 million remaining for energy efficient appliance rebates for consumers who have upgraded to a qualifying Energy Star® appliance since April 22, 2010.

Since October 30, ECD’s Energy Division reports that 17,491 rebates, totaling $4,131,760, have been paid to Tennesseans through the program. Tennessee consumers can still purchase and install eligible Energy Star Appliances to replace less efficient models and receive a rebate debit card on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.  Applications must be postmarked by January 14, 2012.  Tennesseans can track funds still remaining at http://teearp.efi.org.