Dalton, Ga. and Columbia, S.C. -- Congressman Joe Wilson, U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 2nd congressional district, joined Shaw associates in a celebration of recent achievements at Plant 8S, Shaw’s fiber extrusion facility in Columbia, S.C.

In September 2018, Shaw was recognized with the Outreach Award at the 2018 Salute to Manufacturing Awards. Awarded by SC Biz News, GSA Business Report and the S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership, this honor recognizes Shaw for making tangible, measurable impacts in the South Carolina communities in which it operates.

Shaw’s commitment to community goes hand in hand with its focus on sustainability. In May 2018, Plant 8S unveiled a newly completed Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant, which reduces Plant 8S’ annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 26,000 metric tonnes, an impact equal to removing almost 5,500 passenger vehicles from the road each year. Plant 8S is also a Wildlife And Industry Together (W.A.I.T.TM) site by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation recognizing Shaw’s dedication to protecting the environment and wildlife when making land management decisions.

These achievements come on the heels of more than $55 million invested in new equipment at the plant since 2015. That investment was part of the more than $1.5 billion Shaw has invested in its existing and new U.S. facilities over the past five years. That investment in Plant 8S has provided 50 additional jobs and expanded and modernized fiber extrusion operations, which include the use of recycled plastic beverage bottles, increasing Shaw’s use of the material. 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.

“Continued investment and innovation to ensure our facilities, equipment and processes are state-of-the-art allows Shaw to maintain its position as a leading flooring manufacturer,” said David Morgan, executive vice president of operations at Shaw Industries.

Shaw acquired and began operating the Lexington County site from Honeywell International in 2005. The plant employs approximately 360 associates. Shaw operates seven plants in South Carolina, employing more than 1,300 associates statewide.

For more information, visit shawinc.com.