Posted September 8, 2014
TIFTON, Ga. – American Textile Company, a provider of sleep solutions since 1925, has doubled the size and expected employment of its Manufacturing and Distribution Center here.
The facility employs 200, and American Textile said it expects to hire 100 more people in the next three years. Hundreds of government officials, community leaders and partners attended a grand opening at the expanded 418,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility on September 4.
Elected officials praised the company for bucking industry trends and growing employment and sales with a strategy to manufacture and ship most items from four strategically located sites in the U.S., and for its focus on innovative sleep products, some of which were previously manufactured and shipped from Asia.
"American manufacturers have traditionally faced difficult decisions when balancing cost considerations with the desire to produce in America," said Lance Ruttenburg, president and CEO of American Textile. "Now, consumer demand for American-made products, coupled with rising freight costs and
American Textile Co. doubles size of Georgia facility
Hundreds of government officials, community leaders and partners attended a grand opening at American Textile Company's expanded 418,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Manufacturing and Distribution Center in Tifton, Ga. (L-R) American Textile Company Chairman Jack Ouellette; Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mike Davis; U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga; Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development Blake Ruttenberg; Tift County Commission Chairman Grady Thompson; Chairman Emeritus Reid Ruttenberg; Tifton Mayor Jamie Cater; Tift County Development Authority Board Members Richard Golden, Norman Hill, Jay Short, Frankie Mathis; American Textile Company Chief Executive Officer Lance Ruttenberg; TCDA Board Member James Herring; TCDA President and CEO Brian Marlowe. (PRNewsFoto/American Textile Company)
and overseas wages, has made it financially viable for companies to expand in the United States. We're thrilled to be a part of this resurgence of the textile industry in the Southeast and have found Tifton to be the perfect fit for us."
American Textile opened its Tifton operation in 2011, benefitting from close proximity to rail, airports and seaports. State assistance, local incentives, dependable utilities and access to a trained workforce contributed to the company's quick expansion – doubling its workforce and adding 200,000 square feet two years ahead of schedule. Forty seamstresses previously employed with textile companies that closed now work at the Tifton center.
Steady growth
American Textile is recognized by customers for innovation and attention to service, and has delivered growth of more than 14 percent annually for more than a decade, according to the company. The company has opened more than 900,000 square feet of facility space over the past 10 years, including 418,000 in Tifton. Its products, including AllerEase® and EvenTemp™, are sold in more than 40,000 retail outlets throughout North America, with consumer demand for tens of millions of units annually fueling the need for the additional capacity.
"I believe we've built something very special here in Tifton, as it signifies everything we stand for – service, growth, community and quality. As we approach 90 years in business, American Textile's future is as bright and the work we're doing in the Southeast is proof there is a real desire for American-made textile products," Ruttenberg said.
Brian Marlowe, president and CEO of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce and the Tift County Development Authority, estimates that the American Textile plant's economic impact since 2011 is $75-80 million.
Quotes:
"The expansion of American Textile Company in Tifton solidifies the fact that South Georgia continues to be a great place for business. I applaud the company's efforts to not only expand within the United States, but to continue its investment in the Eighth District and to create jobs in the state of Georgia."
– U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.)
"It is clear by American Textile's success here that they are well aware of the benefits of the location and broad community support, including a workforce and demand to meet their needs. It is great to see American textile reinvesting in our state and in our people."
– U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.)
"Since opening, the facility's presence has fueled growth and created good jobs, and the expansion will further build upon its positive impact on the local economy. This new addition is another testament to our state's pro-growth climate that helps businesses succeed."
– U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.
"It's exciting to see American Textile Company increase capacity and investment in our community while also creating new jobs," Marlowe said. "The company has an enduring history of providing quality jobs and a solid civic presence in their respective communities. Their decision to expand operations in Tift County is a strong indicator that our competitive resources and business-friendly environment continue to create significant opportunities for growth in the manufacturing sector. We will continue to work with and on American Textile Company's behalf to ensure their success."
Supporting the Tifton community
As part of the grand opening celebration, officials from American Textile presented a check for $70,000 to the Tift area YMCA to build a new lighted and fenced-in quarter-mile track made of asphalt and recycled materials. A sheltered picnic area and a walking track and field inside the track will be available for children's activities and adult aerobics. Construction on the American Textile Family Walking Track is expected to begin this month and will be completed by the end of the year.
About American Textile Company
Based in Dusquene, Pa., the family-owned and operated company produces mattress and pillow encasements, pillows, comforters, mattress pads, sheet sets and blankets.