Shaw Announces Plans to Expand Lexington Plant

Shaw Industries, Inc. (Shaw) has announced it is investing at least $45 million in its Lexington County, S.C. carpet fiber plant for additional capacity for both nylon and polyester production. The investment will create more than 50 new jobs.

“By continuing to invest in our people, processes and products, Shaw is able to provide a diverse product mix, innovative design, and the greatest quality and service to our customers,” said Shaw Chairman and CEO Vance Bell.

The plant’s new polyester extrusion operations will include the use of recycled plastic beverage bottles – expanding 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. Fiber made from that recycled plastic is used in Shaw’s ClearTWith aouch® residential carpet products. This keeps a significant volume of waste out of the landfill and saves 1.9 trillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy each year – enough energy to power more than 51,000 U.S. homes a year (based on the average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer in 2013).
Production on the new equipment will begin at the Lexington County plant in the fourth quarter of 2015. In the past two years, Shaw has committed more than $600 million in capital investments to enhance its operations, including $350 million in expansions that will add 1,000 new jobs in the U.S. to its hardwood, carpet tile and resilient manufacturing as well as other key growth areas as those facilities reach full capacity.
Shaw acquired and began operating the Lexington County site from Honeywell International, Inc. in 2005. The plant employs approximately 290 associates. Shaw operates seven plants in South Carolina, employing more than 1,500 associates statewide. Those interested in joining the Shaw Industries team should visit the company’s jobs page online.