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Shaw Industries expands Andalusia plant

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was in Andalusia at the Shaw Industries carpet plant. The Shaw Industries Group, Inc. announced that is investing $250 million in its Andalusia manufacturing facility, which creates fiber used to manufacture residential carpet.

“Visiting Covington Co. this morning to celebrate @Shaw_Inc’s $250 million investment in their Andalusia Fiber Manufacturing Plant,” Gov. Ivey said on Twitter. “Glad to see this company is growing and succeeding by improving efficiency & production, as well as safety at Plant 65.”

Ivey was joined by Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson, Covington County Commission Chairman Greg White, and Shaw associates in a celebration of recent achievements at Andalusia’s Plant 65.

The project includes construction of new and expanded building assets and installation of substantial amounts of new manufacturing equipment.

“At Shaw, our vision is to create a better future for our associates, our customers, our company, and our communities,” said Shaw Industries Executive Vice President David Morgan. “We can only achieve that vision through continued investment in our people, our products, our facilities, and our operations. We continually bring customers the forward-thinking products and services they expect from Shaw.”

The changes will create even better efficiency, production, ergonomics, and safety for the more than 1,200 associates who work at the plant. Construction began a little over a year ago and modernization efforts will continue through 2020. The facility remains operational throughout the transition.

“Shaw’s operations are more complex than ever,” said the plant manager for Plant 65 Ron Fantroy. “As a result, almost every job at Shaw — from designers and data scientists to machinists and managers — requires a higher skill level than in the past. Shaw benefits from a talented, well-trained associate base in Covington County, where it is the county’s largest employer.”

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Andalusia is in Alabama’s Second Congressional District, AL-02, and is represented by Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-Montgomery).

“Great economic news in AL-02: Last week, Shaw Industries, which employs more than 1,000 Alabamians, formally announced plans to invest $250 million into its Andalusia carpet manufacturing facility,” Congresswoman Roby said. “This investment includes technology upgrades with an anticipated completion date of 2020. I am thrilled to celebrate this significant contribution to our economy, and I am proud of Shaw’s growth and success in the State of Alabama.”

“Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, Shaw Industries, Inc. is a global flooring provider with a presence throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia,” economic developer Nicole Jones told the Alabama Political Reporter.

“The company employs approximately 22,000 associates worldwide, including 1,000 Alabamians, and is Covington County’s largest employer. The newest investment of over $250 million will include a building expansion of Plant 65 in Andalusia as well as a substantial addition of new manufacturing equipment.”

“These investments will ensure the long-term viability of this critical operation within Shaw’s portfolio of manufacturing facilities,” Shaw Chairman and CEO Vance Bell said. “They are designed to improve the plant’s ability to compete successfully in the marketplace for the short and long term. This facility upgrade will utilize state-of-the-art technology and innovative processes that will be industry-leading in cost and quality.”

Shaw Industries Group is a subsidiary of legendary investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. Shaw is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer with more than $4 billion in annual sales and approximately 22,300 employees worldwide.

“Shaw’s significant new investment in its Andalusia manufacturing facility is a welcome development that positions the plant for the future and demonstrates the company’s confidence in its large Alabama workforce,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “We look forward to working with Shaw to help its Covington County operation not only succeed but also thrive.”

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“Shaw Industries, Inc. attributes its success to remaining focused on the core values recognized at its inception in 1967 – quality, service, and performance – values many Alabamians hold dear and live up to every day,” Nicole Jones added.

Brandon Moseley is a former reporter at the Alabama Political Reporter.

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