Posted September 1, 2014

 

RALEIGH, N.C. – United Furniture Industries NC, LLC is expanding operations in Forsyth County, N.C., Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced August 27.

 

The company plans to create 200 new jobs and invest $5.2 million over the next three years in Winston-Salem.

 

United Furniture Industries is based in Mississippi and manufactures upholstery products. The company holds exclusive licensing agreements as the U.S. manufacturer of Simmons Upholstery. United Furniture Industries employs 940 people at four North Carolina facilities in Randolph, Davidson and Forsyth counties. As part of the expansion, the company is combining its manufacturing and distribution hub at a new, larger location in Winston-Salem at the renovated historic Weeks plant, a former Hanesbrands Inc. facility.

 

“United Furniture Industries has had a manufacturing presence in North Carolina for many years,” said Secretary Decker. “This announcement of 200 additional jobs builds on that presence. It also revitalizes the historic Weeks plant, which is a great symbol of Winston-Salem’s textile heritage.”

 

Salaries will vary by job function, but the annual payroll for the new jobs will be $5,684,000.

 

“United Furniture Industries is pleased to announce our continued expansion in North Carolina at the former Hanes Mill Weeks facility,” said Larry George, president of United Furniture Industries. “I would like to thank all those individuals and organizations at both the state and local level, who have contributed time and effort to this project. We look forward to expanding manufacturing activities to this facility.”

 

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $300,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.