COLUMBIA, S.C. (August 26, 2015) Shaw Industries, Inc. (Shaw) has announced it is investing at least $45 million in its Lexington County, S.C. carpet fiber plant for additional capacity for both nylon and polyester production. The investment will create more than 50 new jobs.
The plant’s new polyester extrusion operations will include the use of recycled plastic beverage bottles expanding Shaw’s use of the material. On average, Shaw recycles three billion plastic drink bottles annually at its Clear Path Recycling facility in Fayetteville, N.C., a joint-venture with DAK Americas. Fiber made from that recycled plastic is used in Shaw’ ClearTouch residential carpet products. This keeps a significant volume of waste out of the landfill and saves 1.9 trillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy each year enough energy to power more than 51,000 U.S. homes a year (based on the average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer in 2013).
Production on the new equipment will begin at the Lexington County plant in the fourth quarter of 2015. In the past two years, Shaw has committed more than $600 million in capital investments to enhance its operations, including $350 million in expansions that will add 1,000 new jobs in the U.S. to its hardwood, carpet tile and resilient manufacturing as well as other key growth areas as those facilities reach full capacity.
Shaw acquired and began operating the Lexington County site from Honeywell International, Inc. in 2005. The plant employs approximately 290 associates. Shaw operates seven plants in South Carolina, employing more than 1,500 associates statewide. Those interested in joining the Shaw Industries team should visit the company’ jobs page online.
QUOTES
By continuing to invest in our people, processes and products, Shaw is able to provide a diverse product mix, innovative design, and the greatest quality and service to our customers. Shaw Chairman and CEO Vance Bell
Were excited to congratulate Shaw Industries on the decision to expand its operations in South Carolina. This $45 million investment and plans to create more than 50 new jobs is terrific news for our manufacturing industry, Lexington County and our state as a whole. We look forward to watching Shaw continue to grow here in South Carolina and around the world for many years to come. Gov. Nikki Haley
As a leader in the manufacturing renaissance, the Palmetto State experienced a 13.5 percent increase in manufacturing job growth over the last four years. Today’ announcement by Shaw Industries is proof that, with our positive business climate and world-class workforce, South Carolina’ success in manufacturing will only continue. Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
We are extremely pleased that Shaw Industries, a global leader in flooring products, is desirous of expanding its Lexington County facility. This new venture by Shaw proves that the Company’ top management has faith in Lexington County’ leadership as well as its workforce. Lexington County Council remains committed to providing an atmosphere that fosters growth for our long term existing industries. Lexington County Chairman Johnny Jeffcoat
On behalf of the Central SC Alliance, we congratulate Shaw Industries on their continued innovative practices and on their recent announcement of an expanded extrusion operation. Shaw Industries has been a vital manufacturing facility in Lexington County for nearly a decade, and we look forward to their continued growth. Central S.C. Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan
FIVE FAST FACTS
Shaw Industries, Inc. is expanding its Lexington County operations.
$45 million investment to create more than 50 new jobs.
Shaw operates seven plants in South Carolina, employing more than 1,500 associates statewide.
Production on the new equipment will begin at the Lexington County plant in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Those interested in joining the Shaw team should visit the company’ jobs page online.
About Shaw Industries
The world’ largest carpet manufacturer and a leading floorcovering provider, Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is a vertically integrated manufacturer that supplies carpet, hardwood, laminate, resilient, tile & stone flooring products and synthetic turf to residential and commercial markets worldwide. A wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. with more than $4.8 billion (USD) in annual sales and more than 22,000 associates, Shaw is headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, with salespeople and/or offices located throughout the U.S., as well as Australia, Canada, China, India, Mexico, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit http://shawfloors.com/about-shaw.
About Central South Carolina Alliance
The Central SC Alliance (CSCA) is a full-service professional economic development organization, founded in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, public/private partnership, engaged in the recruitment of capital investment and jobs to the Central Region of South Carolina. Since inception, CSCA and its partners and allies, have attracted $10.4 billion in capital investment over 63,000 new jobs to the Central Region of South Carolina.
CSCA represents nine counties and the City of Columbia. (The nine county region includes, Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland.) To learn more about the Central SC Alliance please visit our website at www.centralsc.org and be sure to follow us on Twitter @Central_SC and like us on Facebook.