Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Vanguard Furniture, a high-end upholstery producer, will invest $550,000 to establish its first Virginia household furniture upholstery production operation in Carroll County. The project will create more than 200 new jobs.
Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “We welcome Vanguard Furniture to the roster of impressive companies that have expanded into Virginia. Vanguard is able to take advantage of an available facility that will allow a quick start-up to production, and Southwest Virginia offers an abundant workforce with a skill set in the furniture industry. Carroll County has gone to great lengths to meet the company’s needs and ensure that the Carroll County Industrial Park site will be home to Vanguard’s first Virginia operation. We look forward to the company’s future success in the Commonwealth.”
“Carroll County is a great fit for Vanguard Furniture’s first Virginia household furniture upholstery production operation,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Southwest Virginia has a rich history in the furniture industry, and the addition of over 200 new jobs paying above the average prevailing wage is significant news for a region that continues to rebound economically.”
Vanguard Furniture, a family held company, employs 500 associates and is currently operating out of five manufacturing buildings in Conover, North Carolina, and a 40,000-square-foot showroom in High Point, North Carolina. The company offers a broad selection of high-end upholstery and case goods.
Andy Bray, President of Vanguard Furniture, said, "Our company has experienced unprecedented growth over the last few years, and we feel the need to expand our operations. The communities surrounding our new facility in Carroll County, like Galax and Mt. Airy, North Carolina, have proud traditions of manufacturing quality upholstered furniture. We anticipate our new facility will attract some of the finest craftsmen in this area.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Carroll County, the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, and Virginia’s aCorridor to help secure the project for Virginia. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
Carroll County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Hutchins said, “Today is a great day in Carroll County to have secured more than 200 new jobs for our citizens in an economic sector that is a natural fit. This project would not have been carried out without the coordination and assistance of many groups and individuals, such as the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, which is under the very capable leadership of Mr. Richard Slate. Vanguard Furniture is a forward-thinking company with exceptional benefits that will certainly add to Carroll County and the region as a whole.”