Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Engineered Floors, LLC, a Dalton-based carpet maker, will invest $450 million and create 2,000 new jobs, with the potential for hundreds more, over the next five years in northwest Georgia. The company will construct new facilities in Whitfield and Murray counties.
"The story of Engineered Floors is the story of a Georgia-grown company's continued commitment to, and investment in, northwest Georgia," said Deal. "Georgia provides the business environment, workforce training and unparalleled logistics infrastructure to fuel growth for the floor-covering industry, which has been a cornerstone of the state's economy."
Engineered Floors will construct manufacturing and distribution facilities in Whitfield County, and a manufacturing facility in Murray County. The company is a driving force behind the resurgence of the carpet industry. Northwest Georgia is home to the company's corporate headquarters, two large manufacturing facilities, a tufting operation and a distribution center. The company currently employs 1,400 in the region.
"We are pleased that these new facilities will allow for further job creation for the area," said Robert E. Shaw, chairman and CEO of Engineered Floors, LLC. “The exemption of sales tax on energy in the manufacturing process that the legislature put in place under Gov. Deal’s leadership during the 2012 legislative session makes a significant difference to manufacturers looking to grow and succeed.”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) partnered with Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority and Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce to manage this expansion. Carl Campbell, regional project manager at GDEcD, led the expansion project for the state. Georgia Quick Start, the nation's top-ranked workforce training program, will provide assistance to the company.
"Whitfield County continues to work diligently to support the creation of jobs in our community," said Michael Babb, Whitfield County Commission chairman. "The Board of Commissioners has collaboratively worked with the State of Georgia, its economic development team, our local Chamber team, and the Dalton-Whitfield County JDA in making Whitfield County an attractive community for businesses to locate and expand. We are excited that Engineered Floors has chosen Whitfield County as its home for its third operation. We appreciate Governor Deal and GDEcD Commissioner Chris Cummiskey and his team for their efforts in working with the county in bringing this project to our region.
“This is a great day for Murray County and its citizens. We are proud that Engineered Floors is continuing to grow in our community, and we look forward to working with our community and state partners to support its success,” said Brittany D. Pittman, sole commissioner of Murray County. “The company’s decision to continue to invest in Murray County is the result of ongoing relationships and much-appreciated assistance and cooperation from several community leaders and the Murray County Industrial Development Authority.”
As the birthplace of the broadloom textile industry, Georgia is known worldwide as a leading producer of carpets. Carpet companies operating in Georgia supply over 90 percent of the United States' carpet market, and 54 percent of the United States' carpet exports. Georgia's carpet and rug mill manufacturing jobs also represent 71.5 percent of the nation's total. During the third quarter of 2012, 22,374 people in Georgia were employed in 195 establishments in this industry, which recorded $225.1 million in total payroll during that time, according to the Georgia Department of Labor. Georgia exported $601.7 million in carpets and other textile floor coverings in 2012.
"Georgia has a long history of successful expansions by existing companies such as Engineered Floors, thanks to our spirit of collaboration and unique business assets," said Chris Cummiskey, commissioner of GDEcD. "Existing companies are vital in maintaining our state's economic health, so we're pleased that Engineered Floors has chosen to grow in Georgia."
About Engineered Floors, LLC
Engineered Floors, LLC is a privately held carpet producer founded by Robert E. Shaw in 2009 and based in Dalton with facilities in Calhoun and Dalton. The company, which employs approximately 1,200 people, produces stain-resistant and colorfast PureColor next-generation solution dyed polyester fiber with SoilShielf for residential replacement and multifamily housing carpeting. The company acquired carpet maker Dream Weaver Carpet Industries, Inc. in 2011. Dream Weaver specializes in quality residential replacement carpets and can be found in floor covering specialty retailers nationwide. To learn more visit, www.engineeredfloorsllc.com.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia, and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects. Visit www.georgia.org.