Oct. 7/14 2013; Volume 27/number 12
South Pittsburg, Tenn.—Shaw Industries is investing approximately $40 million and increasing its workforce by more than 25 employees at its wood flooring facility here to meet the growing demand for its Epic engineered flooring. The expansion will add more than 60% capacity to the existing hardwood manufacturing facility with construction set to begin later this year. Currently employing 200 people, the plant has already grown by 65 employees in 2013 as a result of an increasing number of shifts at the facility.
The former yarn plant was transformed into one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced hardwood flooring manufacturing facilities in the company’s portfolio as well as the largest engineered flooring facility of its kind in the world. Additionally, in recent months, the company has implemented $26 million in technology and automation to improve efficiency, cost, safety, material yield and waste-reduction at its hardwood facilities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
“The expansion of the South Pittsburg hardwood operation is an important component in our overall hardwood strategy,” said Vance Bell, chairman and CEO. “By investing in this plant and our other hardwood facilities, we are enhancing our ability to offer the widest product mix, the most innovative design and the greatest quality and service to our customers.”
This is the latest in a series of expansion announcements from Shaw, which include the recently unveiled plans for a new carpet tile plant in Adairsville, Ga.; the opening of a carpet tile plant in China to serve the Asian market and of the expansion of its distribution and extrusion operations in northwest Georgia.
“2013 has been a year of positive growth for Shaw,” said Susan Rich, director of corporate communications. “Residential construction is growing again. Commercial markets remain strong. Our investments in the business remain strong and employment is improving. These announcements build upon other business improvements that have been made already this year, including the addition of 1,170 new associates in Georgia.”