Bebe HeiskellSyntec Industries, a producer of carpeting for boats, recreational vehicles and manufactured homes, is investing $3 million and adding 60 jobs at its plant in LaFayette, Ga.
The announcement was made at a ceremony Tuesday morning at the facility on Probasco Street in LaFayette. Syntec, based in Rome, Ga., purchased Color Spectrum Inc. in 2007 and currently employs 120 people.
"They've got the concrete poured for an expansion of the building," said Walker County Economic Development Director Larry Brooks.
Tom Waters, chief operations officer for Syntec, praised local officials for their help.
"We chose to expand our LaFayette plant because of the wonderful cooperation we have received from the Walker County Development Authority led by Commissioner [Bebe] Heiskell," Waters said in a news release.
Waters also thanked state and local officials for their help in providing Syntec a five-year tax abatement on the new equipment being moved into the plant.
"They won't pay any property tax on that equipment ... for five years," Brooks said.
Walker County officials also worked to accommodate Syntec's request to have electricity provided from the LaFayette to its two buildings, Brooks said. Previously, Georgia Power supplied electricity to one building and the city provided electric service at another.
"We are so pleased that Syntec chose to expand its LaFayette plant," Heiskell said in a news release. "We continue to receive wonderful economic news that translates into more job opportunities for our residents. It is this type of investment that has kept our economy moving in these recent years of recession."
Contact staff writer Tim Omarzu at tomarzu@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6651.