RALEIGH, N.C. — August 27, 2014 — Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that United Furniture Industries NC, LLC is expanding operations in Forsyth County.  The company plans to create 200 new jobs and invest $5.2 million over the next three years in Winston-Salem.
 
“This is a significant expansion by United Furniture Industries and adds to the large workforce the company already has in North Carolina,” said Governor McCrory.  “We continue to work day-in and day-out to not only bring new businesses to North Carolina, but to help those that are already here expand and create even more jobs. I am also happy that United Furniture Industries will revitalize the historic Weeks plant as part of this project,” continued Governor McCrory. 
 
United Furniture Industries is based in Mississippi and is a domestic leader in manufacturing of upholstery products.  The company holds exclusive licensing agreements as the U.S. manufacturer of Simmons Upholstery. United Furniture Industries employs 940 people at four North Carolina facilities in Randolph, Davidson and Forsyth counties.  As part of the expansion, the company is combining its manufacturing and distribution hub at a new, larger location in Winston-Salem at the renovated historic Weeks plant.  
 
“United Furniture Industries has had a manufacturing presence in North Carolina for many years,” said Secretary Decker.  “This announcement of 200 additional jobs builds on that presence.  It also revitalizes the historic Weeks plant, which is a great symbol of Winston-Salem’s textile heritage.” 

Salaries will vary by job function, but the annual payroll for the new jobs will be $5,684,000. 
 
“United Furniture Industries is pleased to announce our continued expansion in North Carolina at the former Hanes Mill Weeks facility,” said Larry George, president of United Furniture Industries. “I would like to thank all those individuals and organizations at both the state and local level, who have contributed time and effort to this project.   We look forward to expanding manufacturing activities to this facility.” 
 
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $300,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.  These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches. 
 
“I want to thank United Furniture Industries for expanding their operations in Forsyth County,” said Senator Joyce Krawiec. “This is the perfect place to grow a business, and Governor McCrory and I are committed to creating new jobs here in Forsyth County.” 
 
“It is great to see one of our existing businesses expanding here,” said Senator Earline Parmon.  “These new jobs will be an important addition to our economic growth in Forsyth County.” 
 
State representatives welcomed the expansion and long-term commitment to the community. 
 
“I am extremely pleased that United Furniture Industries has chosen to create 200 new jobs in Forsyth County,” said Representative Debra Conrad. “Our strong workforce and business-friendly climate helped create the ideal location for them and we are excited to see them expanding here.” 
 
“I am pleased that United Furniture Industries is bringing these new jobs to Forsyth County,” said Representative Edward Hanes, Jr.  “This is good news for the city of Winston-Salem, the county and the region.” 
 
“I commend the cooperation of Forsyth County, Winston-Salem and Secretary Decker,” said Representative Donny Lambeth. “We’re grateful for United Furniture Industries’ decision to expand here and we’re looking forward to working with them for many years to come.” 
 
“New jobs are always welcome news to Forsyth County,” said Representative Julia Howard.  “This will be a great addition to our area’s economy.” 
 
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of N.C., N.C. Community Colleges, Forsyth Technical Community College, Northwest Piedmont Workforce Development Board, Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, Forsyth County and the City of Winston-Salem.

Posted September 2, 2014

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor
 

LONDON — August 29, 2014 — As World Water Week kicks off in Stockholm, August 31-Sept. 5, 2014, CottonConnect warns that more support is needed for smallholder cotton farmers as they grapple with the effects of water scarcity, which could put the global cotton industry at serious risk.

Cotton Connect is calling for the cotton supply chain to help take farmer training to scale to increase yields and reduce the water footprint in cotton growing regions in the developing world. Basic interventions such as farmer training and knowledge sharing on basic agricultural practices, have resulted in 30% reductions in water use among smallholder farmer and installing simple technologies, such as drip irrigation systems, have resulted in water savings of up to 60%.

Cotton Connect, the business with a social mission to help retailers and brands create a more sustainable cotton supply chain, releases a report today, “More Crop Per Drop – Water Report on the Cotton Industry,” focusing on working with smallholder farmers to increase yield and maximize water efficiency. The report reveals that to protect the cotton industry, brands need to get involved in supporting smallholder farmers in the developing world, where over 100 million smallholder farmers are responsible for 90% of the world’s cotton production.

The call to action in the report asks brands to collaborate to:

1. Map and ensure greater transparency and closer relationships across the supply chain;
2. Support farmer training programmes for basic interventions to reduce water footprints;
3. Collaborate and help to fund initiatives to help drive cotton supply chain sustainability at scale.

CottonConnect has worked with 130,000 cotton farmers and their families in India, Pakistan and China, proving that basic interventions can make a huge difference to the water being used to grow cotton, one of the world’s most thirsty crops.

The organization has collaborated with major brands, including John Lewis, C&A Foundation along with the Better Cotton Initiative, to help improve relationships with farmers on the ground, improve resilience and share best practice in basic agricultural techniques and technologies, in cotton growing regions of the developing world.

The report invites other brands and retailers to support education and training among smallholder farmers to increase impact and scale. It says that if companies work in collaboration with NGOs, governments and their competitors, they can help to scale-up these proven water conservation methods and drive sustainability improvements across the entire cotton supply chain, which consists of more than 100 million smallholder cotton farmers globally.

“Through farmer training programmes, working closely with more than 130,000 farmers, we have learned that many do not have access to basic information and training,” said Alison Ward, CEO, CottonConnect. “But implementing simple measures farmers can improve their yield and make significant water savings. With these sorts of findings and with the knowledge that there are more than 100 million farmers involved in cotton production, we know we need to scale up these efforts to dramatically reduce the water footprint in the cotton industry. But we cannot do that without the support of brands.

“Brands selling cotton clothes and homeware products are reliant on a supply chain which is facing severe climate change impacts and water shortages. It is in their interest to work closely with organizations that can influence cotton farmers in conserving and making better use of the water they have. We offer an opportunity to make that happen. We have access and trust of the farmers through our partners – and we can scale-up our impact more than ten times over with the right support. Failure to connect all parts of this supply chain will put the future of cotton at risk.”

As World Water Week kicks off in Stockholm, the water debate is in the spotlight with major global corporates helping to raise the profile of today’s most pressing water challenges.

“But the other end of the supply chain is often overlooked. With 100 million farmers growing cotton globally, the impact that can be had through providing access to learning and basic technologies is significant,” says the report. “Companies, NGOs, governments and international development agencies must not forget the farmers on the ground that need the help and support of all stakeholders if they are to run more efficient and sustainable operations.”

The report contains a series of case studies including:

1. Basic Agricultural Practices Adopted in India, which highlights CottonConnect’s farmer training programme in Maharashtra, a western region of India where the falling water table has left farmers vulnerable. Some simple changes to practices – such as burrow irrigation, green mulching and soil conservation – has enabled farmers to improve yields and reduce their water use by 30%.

2. The Drip Pool Programme in India, a project funded by the C&A Foundation and designed to improve the productivity of the cotton crop for farmers in India by cutting the water footprint through the use of irrigation. Magan Bhai from Sanosara village in Gujarat, installed drip irrigation system and increased his production of cotton by 50% compared to the previous year. Last year, his earnings jumped from INR190,000 ($3,147) to INR285,000 ($4,720).

Leslie Johnston, Executive Director C&A Foundation, comments: “We are proud to support CottonConnect in its work connecting retailers to cotton farmers, helping both to work closely together to create a sustainable cotton industry and better business for the future. There are many examples of the positive impact for the cotton industry and by sharing these stories, we hope more brands will be inspired to act.”

3. Bringing John Lewis Face to Face with its Cotton Farmers, via the UK retailer’s three-year farmer training programmme with CottonConnect designed to improve its relationship with suppliers and increase traceability of its products. In total, 1,500 farmers will be trained, positively affecting the lives, livelihoods and employment of around 7,500 people – and giving the John Lewis buying team a full understanding of exactly where their cotton comes from.

“John Lewis is an established and trusted brand, so it was natural for us to want to ensure transparency and integrity right across our supply chain and support the development of close relationships with our suppliers,” said Stephen Cawley, Head of Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing John Lewis.

“The engagement brings benefits to the brand – we are helping to ensure security of supply, traceability to the fibre source, as well as having a positive impact on the social and environmental conditions of the farmers in India – which is crucial when such a large part of our manufacturing supply chain is based in that part of the world.”

Posted September 2, 2014

Source: CottonConnect
 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — July 17, 2014 — Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring company, is investing $10 million in its Spartanburg County commercial carpeting facility over the next 10 years to substantially upgrade its looms and improve technology to support future business growth. The upgrade is expected to create approximately 20 new jobs at the facility, which currently employs around 160 individuals. 

Mohawk Industries, based in Calhoun, Ga., operates two manufacturing facilities in South Carolina, including the Landrum plant in Spartanburg County as well as a facility in Bennettsville in Marlboro County. The 340,000-square-foot Landrum facility produces high-end, woven contract commercial carpeting for both domestic and international customers. Additionally, the plant manufactures aviation carpet for most domestic and some international airlines and airplane manufacturers. 

Over the past decade, Mohawk has grown its business profile from an American carpet manufacturer into the world’s largest flooring company with operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia and the United States. In the U.S., Mohawk produces carpet, carpet cushion, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate and hard wood flooring and held the largest share of the domestic flooring market in 2013 according to industry reports. 

The Landrum facility was built by the Sanford-Bigelow carpet company in 1953. Fieldcrest Cannon acquired Sanford-Bigelow in 1986 and merged the company with its Karastan division. In 1993, Mohawk acquired Karastan-Bigelow from Fieldcrest Cannon. Today, the Landrum team is part of Mohawk’s global workforce of more than 31,000, with around 1,150 employees in South Carolina at manufacturing sites in Landrum and Bennettsville as well as a distribution center in Orangeburg. 

Mohawk Industries expects to begin hiring for the new positions after the first phase of upgrades is completed and continues to accept applications for other positions at the site. Individuals interested in positions with the company should visit www.mohawkcareers.com to apply. 

“By modernizing the looms at the Landrum facility, we can update the styling of the carpet we produce there and keep the business viable for the men and women at the facility. This is a good investment for Mohawk and will help us remain the industry leader in high-end performance woven carpet.  Mohawk is proud to be one of the few American companies making these types of products.”
– Miles Wright, vice president of commercial manufacturing for Mohawk Flooring 

“For more than 50 years, Mohawk has been an integral part of the Landrum community. As the world’s largest flooring company, they could have chosen to go anywhere, but they continue to expand here in South Carolina. We applaud Mohawk’s $10 million investment and 20 new jobs in Spartanburg County, which will support their customers around the globe.”
-Gov. Nikki Haley 

“From starting as an American carpet manufacturer to rising as a global leader, Mohawk has continued to grow and develop in South Carolina. As they continue to succeed, we will be right behind them adapting and growing too. I look forward to their continued contribution to our state and the impact they will have on our economic future.”
-Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt 

“The partnership between Mohawk Industries and Spartanburg County spans more than 60 years, and we are pleased they have chosen us from their global manufacturing network to invest in this state of art carpet manufacturing equipment.  Mohawk’s loyalty to our community has been rewarded with a skilled and stable workforce with an average tenure of 15 years.  We welcome the opportunities the next 60 years will present for the citizens of Spartanburg County and Mohawk Industries.”
– David Britt, chairman of the Economic Recruitment Committee of Spartanburg County

Posted August 26, 2014

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce
 

RALEIGH, N.C. — August 20, 2014 — Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that CS Carolina, Inc. is expanding operations in Alamance County. The company plans to create 22 new jobs and invest $7.3 million over the next three years in Burlington.
 
“It’s crucial that we continue to create an environment where our existing businesses can expand,” said Governor McCrory. “North Carolina’s manufacturing workforce help companies like CS Carolina grow. We welcome these new jobs to Alamance County and look forward to CS Carolina’s contribution to continuing our state’s long history in textile manufacturing.” 
 
CS Carolina, Inc. manufacturers, sells and distributes yarn. CS Carolina employs 27 workers in Alamance County. As part of its expansion, the company will relocate its plant from Swepsonville to Burlington, retaining those jobs and adding to the workforce. The need for a larger building was the catalyst for the company’s expansion. 
 
“Textile manufacturing is a rich part of North Carolina’s history,” said Secretary Decker. “It is great to see this yarn manufacturer build upon its presence in the Piedmont and double its workforce in Alamance County.” 
 
Salaries will vary by job function, but the annual payroll for the new jobs will be $772,200. 
 
“We believe in the revival of the textile industry in North Carolina,” said In Tae Joo, president of CS Carolina.  “We are excited to help lead the way with our investments in the latest technology and our new expansion.” 
 
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $80,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.  These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches. 
 
“Over the years CS Carolina, Inc. has been an outstanding corporate citizen and employer in Alamance County,” said Senator Rick Gunn.  “I applaud their decision to add these new jobs to their workforce here and help grow the economy in Alamance County.” 
 
“New jobs are always good news in Alamance County,” said Representative Dennis Riddell.  “By adding these new jobs CS Carolina is demonstrating its continued confidence in North Carolina and Alamance County as a great location for business.” 
 
“This is great news for Alamance County, we will continue to strive to make Alamance County a family and business friendly place and I’m glad to see that companies are starting to notice our county,” said Representative Stephen Ross. “These additional jobs show North Carolina is continuing its economic comeback.” 
 
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Alamance County Community College, Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce, Alamance County, the City of Burlington and N.C. Ports.

Posted August 26, 2014

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor
 

ATLANTA — July 14, 2014 — Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Belgium-based Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) will establish its U.S. headquarters and create 350 jobs in Cartersville over the next five years.

“My recent economic development mission allowed for our state to strengthen relationships in the global marketplace, expanding Georgia’s international presence and increasing opportunities for our economy to grow,” said Deal. “It was a pleasure to meet with officials from B.I.G. during my time in Belgium and to celebrate our partnership with this leading global company. Not only does this project have huge implications for the surrounding region, but the company’s success in Georgia will attract other suppliers to the area. Our state continues to be the No. 1 most competitive state for business, and it is projects like this that underscore the strength of our pro-business climate.”

The plant will be constructed on 120 acres of land, previously owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev. In the first phase, the B.I.G. manufacturing campus will design and produce 47 million square yards of cushion vinyl for commercial and residential application.

“We are experiencing growth across the globe for finished floorcoverings,” said Geert Roelens, CEO, Beaulieu International Group. “Our new plant in Cartersville will significantly increase our production and enable us to better supply the U.S. market. We greatly appreciate the state and local authorities in Georgia who supported this project.”

Beaulieu International Group is a renowned international entity with headquarters in Belgium. Today, this industrial group holds a solid market position both in producing raw materials and intermediate goods and in offering an extensive range of perfectly finished floorcoverings.

B.I.G. has 3,500 employees spread across 13 countries and plans to continue to invest in innovative manufacturing processes. The Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority assisted the company in locating to Georgia.

“We are honored to add another world-class manufacturer such as Beaulieu International Group to Cartersville’s family of industries,” said Cartersville Mayor Matt Santini. “Cartersville welcomes this respected company with a global presence, a long history of success and a vision for continued success in the years to come. The city of Cartersville looks forward to providing our quality services and a skilled workforce to Beaulieu International Group to make its vision a reality. I personally thank the company’s leaders for their investment.”

Nico Wijnberg, a project manager for the international investment team at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), and Antje Abshoff, GDEcD managing director in Europe, assisted the company on behalf of the state of Georgia.

“International floor covering manufacturers are regularly looking at Georgia as an ideal location to grow their business,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “More than 72 percent of the nation’s carpet and rug mill manufacturing jobs are located in Georgia. When high-caliber companies such as B.I.G. choose Georgia to call home, they not only enhance our portfolio of quality companies, but they also highlight the strength of our solid labor pool.”

Posted August 25, 2014

Source: Office of the Georgia Governor Nathan Deal