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
