Williamson County economic development officials feel they may be getting played by Hummer. When the SUV-maker was sold to a Chinese company, executives said they were considering the Nashville area for a new headquarters, specifically Cool Springs.
Such relocation discussions are almost always strictly confidential. Because Hummer said it was considering the area, county economic development director Matt Largen says he’s questioning the motive.
“You never know why a company like Hummer would make something like this public. Sometimes it’s to get the best incentive package to the location they already are in – Detroit in this case – and sometimes it’s to play one city against another.”
Largen says if Hummer is trolling for cash, Williamson County won’t be competitive. He says the indirect perks of good schools and a pro-business political climate are the best incentives he can offer.
The Hummer headquarters is expected to have 100 employees. Any relocation announcement would follow the finalizing of the unit’s sale to a Chinese buyer, which is expected some time this quarter.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM