GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 205 JOBS IN GRAHAM COUNTY

One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Stanley Furniture Invest $1.5 Million In Robbinsville

Gov. Mike Easley announced recently that Stanley Furniture, a leading employer in Graham County, will expand its Robbinsville plant, investing $1.5 million and adding 205 jobs during the next three years as well as saving 315 current jobs.  The expansion was made possible in part by a $250,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“Furniture is one of the foundations of North Carolina’s economy and we are proud to see that tradition carried on with Stanley Furniture’s continued commitment to our state,” Easley said.  “Whether traditional industries or high tech, our state will continue to work to provide business climate that helps companies stay here, prosper and grow.” 

Founded in 1924, Stanley Furniture is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality residential wood furniture with 2007 revenues of $283 million.  The new jobs will pay an average wage of $27,268, not including benefits, which is more than the county average of $26,572.

“We appreciate the cooperation and support from all the partners involved in this project at the state and local level that will enable us to expand our Robbinsville, N.C. operations,” says company President and CEO Jeffrey R. Scheffer. 

“This is welcome news to the hard-working people of Graham County,” said state Sen. John Snow (D-Graham, Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and Transylvania).  “Companies like Stanley Furniture know North Carolina is a place that provides the kind of workforce and communities they need to effectively compete in the marketplace.” 

“I want to congratulate and thank those with the state, local government and business community that worked together so well to make this happen,” said Rep. Roger West (R-Graham, Cherokee, Clay and Macon).  “I will continue to work in the House for policies that support our businesses and provide a business environment that helps them succeed.” 

The One North Carolina Fund provides financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state.  Through the use of the One North Carolina Fund, more than 30,000 jobs and $6 billion in investment have been created since 2001.  All of these grants require local matches. 

Other partners who helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Tri-County Community College, Graham County, City of Robbinsville and Duke Energy. 

The company employs more than 1,700 workers, including 315 in Graham County.  It considered closing the Graham facility and consolidating its North Carolina operations in Virginia, but decided to expand the Robbinsville location instead.  The move will save 315 existing jobs in Graham County and add 205 more by 2010.  The company recently decided to close a plant in Lexington that wil