A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing Co., a leading producer of water works, plumbing, pumps and natural gas products, broke ground Monday on an $8 million, 100,000-square-foot expansion that will double the size of its Elizabethton operation and create 36 new jobs.

The Dubuque, Iowa-based company began operating in Elizabethton 19 years ago and employs 144 full-time works in a 99,000-square-foot facility. Company officials said the pending expansion, the third at the site, is necessary to accommodate growing production levels.

“We are extremely proud to be doubling our Tennessee operation,” Rob McDonald, president and CEO of A.Y. McDonald said during Monday’s groundbreaking. “From our beginning here in 1999, this facility has been managed and operated by Tennessee people. Their efforts have allowed the company to continue to grow and has brought us to this exciting time. This expansion is a tribute to the hard work and ingenuity of our Tennessee co-workers.”

Several partners from the local, regional and state levels were key in the expansion project.

“TVA and Elizabethton Electric Department congratulate A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing Company on its decision to expand operations in Carter County,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Develop John Bradley said. “Helping to facilitate new jobs and investment is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we are proud to partner with the City of Elizabethton, Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership (NeTREP) and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission.”

NeTREP Chairman Chuck Perry said the expansion represents a collaborative approach to growing the regional economy.

“Helping existing companies grow and working with the state and regional partners to get that done is one of NeTREP’s most rewarding activities,” Perry said. “A.Y. McDonald is one of those employers that’s steadily having a positive impact on our local communities. We’re grateful for their decision to expand here and excited about what this will mean for the many families who will benefit from the new jobs created.”

About the expansion, Elizabethton Director of Planning and Economic Development Jon Hartman said, “We are excited and happy to hear A.Y. McDonald has chosen Elizabethton for the expansion. Their commitment to the future of Elizabethton and Carter County will ensure that we will continue to grow and thrive as an employment center in the region.”

Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey also shared appreciation for the business’ investment into the area.

“This is exciting news for Carter County with the addition of new jobs,” he said. “It is a testament that A.Y. McDonald is doing their expansion here and proof that Carter County has a great workforce that is ready and available.”

Expansion is expected to be completed early next year.