SAWMILLS
Automated Solutions, LLC, a company that manufactures plastic packaging and plastic fabrication for the furniture industry, is moving to Caldwell County.
The company is currently located in Catawba County. Officials said Automated Solutions will retain the 12 positions it has now and plans to add 25 more over the next three years.
The company is renovating the old Hammary 13 building on U.S. 321A. Startup is expected this summer.
"Automated Solutions, LLC's upcoming move to our new Sawmills facility will complete a significant milestone in our company's continuing growth," said Bob Campbell, managing partner.
"Our primary business lines in plastic fabrication and packaging manufacturing require a large footprint with good fire prevention and suppression capabilities.
"Our recent competitive search for a suitable new plant that met our requirements and provided a strong local workforce was easily won by Caldwell County and the town of Sawmills primarily because of the quality of the space available and the tremendous assistance offered to facilitate our move," Campbell said.
Sawmills officials and the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission helped secure a grant for the company from the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center's Building Reuse Initiative.
The grant will pay for half the renovation costs.
Automated Solutions also received a grant from the state Department of Commerce Industrial Development Utility Fund to assist in upgrading water service to the old building.
The grant process was facilitated by the town.
The two grants go with $50,000 in local incentives from the Caldwell County Sales Tax Reinvestment Committee to defray overall costs.
"Automated Solutions is the type of small to medium size company we want to see grow in Caldwell County," said Harry Whalen, executive director of the Caldwell EDC.
"This nimble operation is a niche supplier in the furniture sector, but also has other outlets for its products which offer a great opportunity for growth."
Mayor Bob Gibbs of Sawmills agreed, saying the company "represents an answer to many prayers. This company relocation will benefit not only Sawmills but all of Caldwell County. The 25 new jobs to be created will be most helpful addressing the economic challenges for our County."
The relocation was announced Thursday.
The company currently is at 871 Highland Ave., NE, Hickory.
According to its Web site, Automated Solutions was started in 1998, although it can trace its roots to 1975.
Automated Solution's first project was to manufacture improved cutting surfaces for CNC wheel cutters used to cut fabric and other single-ply materials.
In 2005, the company introduced a new type of packaging, primarily for upholstered furniture. In 2006, it started a technical products division to design and build computerized equipment.
For more, go to www.townofsawmills.com, wwwlcaldwelledc.org, or www.automatedsolutionsllc.com.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement