Area Development
Ply Gem Industries, a manufacturer of building products, will expand its operations in Columbus County. The company plans to create 145 jobs and invest $15.5 million over the next three years in Fair Bluff, North Carolina.

Ply Gem is a manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. Ply Gem produces a comprehensive product line of vinyl siding, designer accents and PVC-trim, vinyl fencing and vinyl and composite railing, stone veneer and vinyl windows and doors used in both new construction and home repair and remodeling in the United States and Western Canada. Ply Gem currently employs over 100 people in North Carolina.

“Ply Gem is pleased to continue to expand our relationship with Columbus County and the Town of Fair Bluff,” said Gary Robinette, president and CEO of Ply Gem.

“These new manufacturing jobs are a welcome and necessary step to improving the economy in Columbus County,” said Gov. Pat McCrory. “It’s always encouraging when a great corporate citizen like Ply Gem chooses to expand right here in North Carolina.”

“North Carolina has the highly-skilled workforce that manufacturers need to compete in a global economy,” said Sharon Decker, N.C. Secretary of Commerce. “Ply Gem’s decision to grow in Columbus County will provide employment opportunities for an area that was hit hard by the recession.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $150,000. The grant is contingent upon proof of job creation and receipt of a local funding match. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.