Posted August 31, 2015

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Shaw Industries, Inc. 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 South Carolina Dept. of Commerce announced.

 

The investment will create more than 50 new jobs.

 

"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.

 

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 3 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 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. 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 about 290 people. Shaw operates seven plants in South Carolina, employing more than 1,500 people statewide.

 

"We're excited to congratulate Shaw Industries on the decision to expand its operations in South Carolina,” said S.C. Gov. 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."

 

Source: S.C. Dept. of Commerce