The Buchanan Realty Group CLICK HERE is a boutique commercial real estate firm that specializes in all aspects of commercial leasing to clients across the Southeast.

With attention to detail, and client oriented goals, the team, under the direction of principal agent, Brandon Buchanan, successfully represents owners & tenants who want to see growth in their prospective investments or businesses.

BRG agents are leaders in the investment sales and acquisition department, and pride themselves in their abilities to successfully negotiate the best deals for their clients. The team has represented clients focused on retail, hospitality, C-store, medical, industrial, and multi-family sectors.

Ford, SK On dissolve joint battery venture in 3 U.S. factories including Haywood County

A Korean newspaper – Korea JoongAng Daily – is reporting that Ford and SK On have dissolved their three partnerships – including Stanton, Tennessee – but SK On will take full control of the facility in Haywood County.

NOTE – BlueOval City is a 4,100 acre, 6-square-mile industrial park in Haywood County which will consist of Ford’s truck manufacturing plant known as the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center, in addition to the BlueOval SK Battery Plant and several other automotive parts suppliers and is expected to create more than 6,000 new jobs in West Tennessee.

The deal is expected to close by the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals, with workforce considerations to be addressed during the transition.

The two companies in 2022 formed a venture, BlueOval SK, and announced $11.4 billion for the three plants. Once operational, the plants will together have 120 gigawatt-hours of annual capacity, enough to make 1.2 million EVs per year.

A plant in Kentucky is under operation, while the start of production in Tennessee and the No. 2 plant in Kentucky have been delayed due to sluggish demand.

Amid a slowdown in global EV sales, Ford has shifted its strategy toward internal combustion engine models and the rollout of affordable electric pickups and EVs powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. It has also been reported that Ford is discussing potentially discontinuing the F-150 Lightning trucks.

Currently, SK On only produces the more expensive nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) cells and has yet to fully develop its LFP batteries for EVs.
“For the previously contracted volumes of Ford’s EVs, production will continue at the Tennessee facility,” a spokesperson for SK On said.

Exit 87 BBQ moving short distance from original location

The consideration of a preliminary site plan for Exit 87 BBQ, proposed to be located at 2045 Highway 70 East, has been approved by the Jackson Municipal Regional Planning Commission.

The new location for Exit 87 BBQ – which is approximately 50-feet from the original restaurant at 2049 Highway 70 East – will consist of a 1,925-square-foot facility on approximately 1.697-acres, have seating for 40, and offer 15 parking spaces.

Kyle Barron named executive director at Jackson Regional Airport

JACKSON, TN — On Monday evening, December 8, 2025, the Jackson Madison County Airport Authority voted to approve Kyle Barron as the next Executive Director of Jackson Regional Airport, succeeding long-serving Executive Director Steve Smith, who will retire at the end of December. The leadership transition becomes effective January 1, 2026.

“The Board is fully confident that Kyle is the right person, at the right time, in the life of this airport to go to the next level. His vision will continue the great work established by Steve Smith and maintained with excellence by airport officials Cindy Melton and Brandon David. This is a strong move forward for Jackson Regional and for West Tennessee.” – Rusty Reviere, Board Chairman

“Kyle’s leadership is a tremendous step forward for Jackson Regional. His experience in administration, community partnerships, and project development has already proven valuable, and he’s the right fit as we enter a period of growth. With Blue Oval City and regional expansion ahead, I’m confident Kyle will guide the airport into its next chapter with vision and momentum.” – Steve Smith – retiring executive director

Barron previously served as Director of Special Projects at JRA, supporting key initiatives and infrastructure planning, and has also held leadership positions in the community including Vice President of Student Services at Jackson State Community College and Vice President of Community Development at the Greater Jackson Chamber. He played a role in securing and supporting the Denver Air Connection Essential Air Service partnership, which has provided travel for nearly 10,000 passengers this calendar year, helping Jackson Regional (MKL) become the fastest-growing airport in the state of Tennessee.

Now stepping into the Executive Director role, Barron will guide the airport through a period of continued expansion with emphasis on infrastructure development, operational excellence, and long-range planning. His work includes advancing projects such as new hangars, expanded parking, terminal upgrades, and future commercial service growth. Relationship-driven and collaborative, he works closely with federal, state, and local partners to ensure Jackson Regional remains a welcoming gateway for all of West Tennessee.

“I am truly honored by the Board’s confidence in me. Steve has led this airport with steady direction and growth, and I’m grateful for his guidance during this transition. Jackson Regional Airport is an incredible asset to West Tennessee, and I look forward to continuing the progress already underway — strengthening infrastructure, supporting economic development, and ensuring our airport serves the needs of travelers and businesses for years to come.” – Kyle Barron

Here are the 5 most expensive homes for sale in Jackson-Madison County

Here are the five most expensive homes for sale in Jackson-Madison County according to the Multiple Listing Service.

1) 24 Walter Helms Road – 5 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 4 half baths – 21,927-square-feet (17,200-square-feet heated), $9 million (approximately 336 acres)

2) 9 Windwood Drive – 4 bedrooms, 6 baths, 8,019-square-feet, $2,400,000 (approximately 6.29 acres)

3) 168 Huntersville Denmark Road – 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 4,569-square-feet, $1,990,000 (approximately 45.76 acres)

4) 118 Northhaven Drive, 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 4 half baths, 9,147-square-feet $1,550,000 (4.66 acres)

5) 116 McCoy Road, 4 bedrooms, 5 full baths, one half bath, 5,110-square-feet, $1,550,000 (20 acres)

BUCHANAN REALTY GROUP CLICK HERE highlights this week’s business activity in Jackson and the area.