Mohawk Industries will invest $10 million in its Spartanburg County, S.C. commercial carpeting facility over the next 10 years to substantially upgrade its looms and improve technology to support future business growth, according to the company. The upgrade is expected to create approximately 20 new jobs at the facility, which currently employs around 160 individuals.
“By modernizing the looms at the Landrum facility, we can update the styling of the carpet we produce there and keep the business viable for the men and women at the facility," said Miles Wright, vice president of commercial manufacturing for Mohawk Flooring.
Mohawk, based in Calhoun operates two manufacturing facilities in South Carolina, including the Landrum plant in Spartanburg County as well as a facility in Bennettsville in Marlboro County. The 340,000-square-foot Landrum facility produces high-end, woven contract commercial carpeting for both domestic and international customers. Additionally, the plant manufactures aviation carpet for most domestic and some international airlines and airplane manufacturers.
Over the past decade, Mohawk has grown its business profile from an American carpet manufacturer into the world's largest flooring company with operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia and the United States.
“From starting as an American carpet manufacturer to rising as a global leader, Mohawk has continued to grow and develop in South Carolina. As they continue to succeed, we will be right behind them adapting and growing too. I look forward to their continued contribution to our state and the impact they will have on our economic future,” said Bobby Hitt, secretary of commerce.
The Landrum facility was built by the Sanford-Bigelow carpet company in 1953. Fieldcrest Cannon acquired Sanford-Bigelow in 1986 and merged the company with its Karastan division. In 1993, Mohawk acquired Karastan-Bigelow from Fieldcrest Cannon. Today, the Landrum team is part of Mohawk’s global workforce of more than 31,000, with around 1,150 employees in South Carolina at manufacturing sites in Landrum and Bennettsville as well as a distribution center in Orangeburg.
Mohawk expects to begin hiring for the new positions after the first phase of upgrades is completed and continues to accept applications for other positions at the site. Individuals interested in positions with the company should visit mohawkcareers.com to apply.
