Shaw to Expand South Carolina Carpet Fiber Plant

Shaw Industries Group, 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.
 
“We’re excited to congratulate Shaw Industries on the decision to expand its operations in South Carolina,” said South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. “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.”
 
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’s ClearTouch® residential carpet products. This keeps a significant volume of waste out of the landfill and saves 1.9 trillion 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.
 
“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,” said Shaw Chairman and CEO Vance Bell.
 
“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,” notes South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Today’s announcement by Shaw Industries is proof that, with our positive business climate and world-class workforce, South Carolina’s success in manufacturing will only continue.”
 
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’s jobs page online.
 
“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’s top management has faith in Lexington County’s leadership as well as its workforce. Lexington County Council remains committed to providing an atmosphere that fosters growth for our long term existing industries,” said Lexington County Chairman Johnny Jeffcoat.
 
Central S.C. Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan stated, “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.”