Shaw Industries will invest at least $45 million in its Lexington County, S.C., carpet fiber plant for additional capacity for both nylon and polyester production.
“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,” said Nikki Haley, South Carolina's Governor. “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. According to Haley, 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).
Vance Bell, Shaw's chairman and CEO, said production on the new equipment will begin at the Lexington County plant in the fourth quarter. 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,” he said.
Shaw acquired and began operating the Lexington County site from Honeywell International in 2005. According to the company, the plant employs approximately 290 people, not counting the 50 jobs expected to be created from the expansion.
For more information, visit shawfloors.com.
