Increasing BCF twisting, heat setting operations
Dec. 9/16 2013; Volume 27/number 16
Calhoun, Ga.—Mohawk will convert two manufacturing facilities in Dalton and Rome from yarn spinning plants to bulk continuous filament (BCF) twisting and heat setting plants. In the process, Mohawk will be creating 420 new jobs and investing about $85 million into the two projects over the next two years.
The plant conversions are in response to evolving consumer preferences, the company said. The revamped sites will create an additional 420 jobs at the Mohawk facility in Dalton and preserve 230 jobs at the Mohawk facility in Rome. Mohawk will administer Georgia Quick Start, the state’s top-ranked workforce training program, to train its current and new employees, and the hiring process is planned to begin mid-2014.
“Mohawk’s expansion in Georgia underscores how a premier flooring manufacturer helps Georgia’s entire floor covering industry remain competitive,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “Their presence here has been a magnet for flooring suppliers and customers, and this expansion reflects the resilience of an industry that supplies more than half of the world’s carpet and rugs.”
As the U.S. economic recovery gains traction, Mohawk is increasing manufacturing capacity to meet demand for the company’s premium soft carpets, according to Joe Yarbrough, Mohawk’s senior vice president of advanced manufacturing engineering. “These investments in Dalton and Rome—in addition to our previously announced Summerville project—will create or retain more than 1,000 jobs across the region. We anticipate these expansions will begin operation in 2014. We’re grateful to our local, regional and state partners for their support of these expansions and for sharing our commitment to build a brighter future for northwest Georgia.”
The Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce collectively assisted the company with the conversion projects. “The technically skilled workforce found in Rome and Floyd County has proven to benefit the existing industries in our community and surrounding areas,” said James “Doc” Kibler, chairman, Rome Chamber of Commerce. “The business climate here is helpful to manufacturers and certainly helps our small businesses.”
Brian Anderson, president and CEO, Dalton Chamber of Commerce, added, “This latest expansion by Mohawk is strong evidence that the economy, especially the housing market, continues to improve. It also illustrates the strong commitment of Mohawk Industries to Dalton and all of northwest Georgia. We are fortunate to have the floor covering industry and Mohawk Industries based in northwest Georgia.”
Georgia Dept. of Economic Development (GDEcD) project manager Carl Campbell, who partnered with the Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs, also assisted the company on behalf of the state.