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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

American Textile Company Doubles Size Of Manufacturing-Distribution Center In Tifton, Georgia

09/05/2014
American Textile Company, a leading provider of innovative sleep solutions since 1925, doubled the size and expected employment of its Manufacturing and Distribution Center in Tifton, Georgia.

The firm recently celebrated the opening of its expanded 418,000-square-foot Tifton facility that today employs 200. American Textile said it expects to hire 100 more in the next three years. Brian Marlowe, President/CEO of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce and the Tift County Development Authority, estimates that the American Textile plant's economic impact since 2011 is $75-80 million.

"It's exciting to see American Textile Company increase capacity and investment in our community while also creating new jobs," Marlowe said. "The company has an enduring history of providing quality jobs and a solid civic presence in their respective communities. Their decision to expand operations in Tift County is a strong indicator that our competitive resources and business-friendly environment continue to create significant opportunities for growth in the manufacturing sector. We will continue to work with and on American Textile Company's behalf to ensure their success."

"American manufacturers have traditionally faced difficult decisions when balancing cost considerations with the desire to produce in America," said Lance Ruttenburg, President/CEO of American Textile. "Now, consumer demand for American-made products, coupled with rising freight costs and overseas wages, has made it financially viable for companies to expand in the United States. We're thrilled to be a part of this resurgence of the textile industry in the Southeast and have found Tifton to be the perfect fit for us."

"I believe we've built something very special here in Tifton, as it signifies everything we stand for — service, growth, community and quality. As we approach 90 years in business, American Textile's future is as bright and the work we're doing in the Southeast is proof there is a real desire for American-made textile products," Ruttenberg said.

American Textile opened its Tifton operation in 2011, benefitting from close proximity to rail, airports and seaports. State assistance, local incentives, dependable utilities and access to a trained workforce contributed to the company's quick expansion — doubling its workforce and adding 200,000 square feet two years ahead of schedule. Forty seamstresses previously employed with textile companies that closed, now work at the Tifton center.

"The expansion of American Textile Company in Tifton solidifies the fact that South Georgia continues to be a great place for business," said U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga. "I applaud the company's efforts to not only expand within the United States, but to continue its investment in the Eighth District and to create jobs in the state of Georgia."

"Since opening, the facility's presence has fueled growth and created good jobs, and the expansion will further build upon its positive impact on the local economy. This new addition is another testament to our state's pro-growth climate that helps businesses succeed," said U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss.

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