Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that Rooms To Go will be building a new warehouse, distribution center and retail showroom in Harnett County. The company plans to create 220 new jobs and invest $40 million over the next three years in Dunn.
“Rooms To Go knows our state’s support for the furniture industry is second to none,” said Governor McCrory. “It’s always great news when existing companies choose to reinvest and grow their business right here in North Carolina.”
Rooms To Go is a furniture retailer with approximately 150 stores located in 10 states in the United States. The company sells residential furniture to consumers in its stores and through its online websites. The company currently employs more than 180 people in North Carolina.
Rooms To Go plans to build a 1.1 million square-foot facility, which will serve as a warehouse, distribution center and retail showroom. This newest Rooms To Go facility will be the primary distribution and processing center for online deliveries to Rooms To Go customers throughout the eastern United States. The facility will have a state-of-the-art showroom and outlet center that the company believes will become a convenient stopping point for travelers on I-95. The company expects to engage approximately 100 people as independent contractors associated with home delivery of merchandise from the warehouse to customers’ homes.
“We’re committed to promoting economic growth in North Carolina and we know that a majority of those jobs will come from existing companies like Rooms To Go,” said Sharon Decker, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce. “Rooms To Go’s decision to locate in Harnett County is wonderful news for Harnett County and the entire state.”
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $28,000 plus benefits.
“Our goal was to find a location that provides great visibility and exposure on I-95, while allowing convenient transportation access for receiving merchandise and delivering to our customers. The Saddlebred Road site offers these key features as well as a great location for a brand new Rooms To Go store for consumers throughout the region and people traveling up and down the East Coast,” said Rooms To Go President and Chief Operating Officer, Steve Buckley. “We are very thankful for the support we are receiving from the State of North Carolina, Harnett County and the City of Dunn.”
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $200,000. 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.
The Department of Transportation also worked on the project to ensure the Rooms To Go had efficient access to the state’s transportation network.
"NCDOT is focused on providing better connectivity to enhance economic growth and community development," said NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata. "We are thrilled to be able to work closely with businesses like Rooms To Go to provide the access they need to distribute their goods, and support their ability to create more jobs."
State legislators praised Rooms to Go’s investment in North Carolina’s economy and workers.
“We’re proud to welcome Rooms To Go to Dunn and wish the company continued success here in North Carolina,” said Rep. David Lewis. “This new facility will spur economic growth and bring jobs to our area.”
“Rooms To Go will provide much-needed jobs to the hard-working people living in and around Harnett County,” said Sen. Ron Rabin. “Companies recognize that North Carolina is creating a business friendly atmosphere by virtue of emerging tax policies and emphasis on fiscal responsibility.”
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Department of Transportation, N.C. Community Colleges, Harnett County, City of Dunn and the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center.
For more information about Rooms To Go, including job opportunities, visit http://www.roomstogo.com/.