Area Development
HSM will invest more than $3.3 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Catawba County, with plans to create 162 new jobs over the next three years in Hickory and Conover, North Carolina.

HSM, the new name of Hickory Springs employs 1,494 people in North Carolina. HSM has evolved from a components supplier into a global manufacturer of integrated solutions and components for the transportation, furniture, bedding and a growing number of diversified markets. The company will be investing in innovation with the launch of its new Corporate Innovation and Research Center and Foam Technical Center developing new products in new and existing markets.

“Our goal as a company has always been to be a manufacturer’s manufacturer – the kind of company businesses want to work with,” explained Dave Colburn, HSM president and CEO. “Our new structure better positions us to offer more complete and advanced offerings to our customers. By investing in 162 new jobs, the build out of our Corporate Innovation and Research Center, Foam Technical Center and the launch of new diversified products such as beachTuff, we are underscoring this commitment and reinforcing our ability to deliver new materials and innovative manufacturing techniques that bring our customers’ design visions to life and enable them to respond rapidly to changing market demands.”

“It’s always encouraging to see companies with roots as deep as HSM reinvest in our state,” said Gov. Pat McCrory. “Their commitment to innovative manufacturing and job creation will contribute to strong economic growth in Catawba County and across the entire state of North Carolina.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $200,000. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

“HSM’s expansion builds on North Carolina’s proud legacy in manufacturing and furniture,” said Sen. Austin Allran. “Our state’s customized job training programs and hard-working people will provide a perfect complement to a company that is highly focused on developing innovative manufacturing techniques.”

Other partners that helped with this project include: N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Catawba County, Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, City of Hickory and the City of Conover.