Dalton—Oriental Weavers announced a significant capital investment made in its U.S. manufacturing and warehousing facilities. The expansion, which occurred in late 2014, allowed for a 12% capacity increase at the company’s Dalton manufacturing facility and was due largely to the recent high demand for domestically-made products.
The company first invested in a brand-new, high-speed loom to put the expansion wheels in motion. The new loom was the first five-meter loom to be installed in the U.S. and is the fastest and most technologically advanced loom of its kind. Thirty-five percent faster than the industry standard, the new loom gives Oriental Weavers the exclusive ability to more efficiently produce American-made area rugs by significantly increasing production, reducing waste and eliminating excessive inventory all while maintaining the existing level of required energy.
Additionally, due to the company’s organic growth and the increased capacities that the new high-speed loom yields, Oriental Weavers is expanding its distribution center, located in Dalton. The nearly 200,000-square-foot expansion will accommodate the added production and will provide new opportunities for skilled workers living in the Northwest Georgia area.
“U.S. manufacturing is extremely important to Oriental Weavers,” explains Jonathan Witt, senior vice president of Oriental Weavers. “Thirty to thirty-five percent of our current total rug production is made right here in the U.S., with aggressive plans to increase domestic production an additional 20- 25% in 2015. Our overall commitment to U.S. manufacturing and our recent capacity expansion provides jobs for Americans and helps the American economy. Additionally, the technological advances and efficiencies of the new loom speak for themselves. The economy will benefit, our customers will benefit—it’s a true win-win for everyone.”
