Shaw Industries Group Inc. will invest more than $42 million in its carpet plant in Decatur, Tenn., to modernize the facility and allow the company to use both nylon and polyester fiber, including recycled PET.
The Dalton, Ga.-based carpet maker, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, said the investment will create 75 new jobs.
The Shaw plant in Decatur was built in 1976 to make building product carpets and currently has about 370 employees. The facility is one of five plants Shaw operates in Tennessee, which collectively employ more than 650 workers.
The first equipment in the upgraded plant will be operational next month with additional machinery coming online through June 2018 to help diversify its building carpets production at the plant.
"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 CEO Vance Bell said in a statement Friday. "The upgrades to this facility are indicative of our commitment to advanced manufacturing and enhancing our operations as we rapidly respond to shifts in the market and customer preferences."
Hiring has begun at the facility and persons may apply for the new jobs online at shawinc.com/careers, under "Job Listings." Additionally, Shaw will be hosting a career fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Cleveland Family YMCA in Cleveland, Tenn.
"Shaw is the largest employer in Meigs County and we're proud of Shaw's continued investment in our community," Meigs County Mayor Bill James said in an announcement about the expansion Friday.
As the world's biggest producer of carpet and rugs, Shaw employs more than 20,000 workers in more than a dozen countries where it operates around the globe.
Meigs-Decatur Economic Development Corporation President J. Gid Redmond said his group "was honored to play a role in facilitating" the expansion in Decatur.
"This is a big success for Meigs County people, as most of our growth comes from companies expanding existing operations here," he said.
Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner@timesfree press.com or at 423-757-6340.