Kings Mountain, N.C.-based dobby and jacquard upholstery fabric producer Specialty Textiles Inc. (STI) has announced an expansion that will include the addition of 32,000 square feet to its current plant and 62 full-time jobs over the next three years. STI will add chenille yarn capacity to capture additional sales in the mid-range and high-end segments of the residential upholstered furniture industry.

"STI is a big proponent of manufacturing in the United States," said John Kay, president, STI. "With support from the State of North Carolina, Cleveland County and the City of Kings Mountain, STI plans to grow our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina. America was built on manufacturing and all the stakeholders at STI support our Governor's efforts to increase manufacturing in North Carolina."

The $4.9 million investment cost is defrayed in part by a One North Carolina Fund grant in the amount of $56,000. The fund offers financial assistance to businesses through local governments to draw business projects to the state to boost economic activity and create jobs.

September/October 2011