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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Swiss-based Jacob Holm Industries Expands its Buncombe County, North Carolina, Manufacturing Center

10/04/2013
Swiss-based Jacob Holm Industries, a nonwoven manufacturing company, will expand its manufacturing campus in Candler, North Carolina.

The manufacturer plans to create 66 jobs in Buncombe County, with a minimum qualifying investment of more than $45.9 million over the next three years, Gov. Pat McCrory’s Office said. Its total capital investment is likely to exceed $60 million when the final project is complete.

With global headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, Jacob Holm Industries was founded in 1794. Since 2005 its U.S. subsidiary, Jacob Holm Industries America Inc., has its operations headquartered in Candler. JHI is one of the world’s leading nonwoven corporations that offer high-quality products for personal care, home care, hygiene, packaging, and industrial markets. The company currently employs 82 workers in Candler, manufacturing premium spunlaced nonwoven products.

Jacob Holm President, Steve Landon said, “Since opening our doors in Western North Carolina back in 2005, the company has been impressed with the local community, the availability of a quality workforce and the willingness of state and local officials to support our goal of becoming the premiere non-woven manufacturer in North America. This new production line is planned to start commercial production in Q1, 2015.“

“Western North Carolina is proud of its strong roots in manufacturing,” said Governor McCrory. “It makes great business sense for Jacob Holm to expand in Candler. We’re excited to welcome this expansion here and strengthen the local and regional economy with high-paying jobs.”

“North Carolina has always been a leader in manufacturing and augmenting existing products,” said Secretary Decker. “Buncombe County is on the front line of innovation, and their talented workforce will be a solid fit for the expansion of JHI and its new production line.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $100,000. The grant is contingent upon proof of job creation and receipt of a local funding match, which will be approved in a public hearing in Candler. 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.

Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Buncombe County and the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County.

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