Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that HSM will be expanding its manufacturing operation in Catawba County. The company plans to create 162 new jobs and invest more than $3.3 million over the next three years in Hickory and Conover.
“It’s always encouraging to see companies with roots as deep as HSM reinvest in our state,” said Governor 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.”
HSM, the new name of Hickory Springs, is a private, family-owned company,which 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.
“Governor McCrory and I are working together to ensure that we’re addressing the needs of our state’s existing manufacturers,” said Secretary Sharon Decker. “Companies like HSM know our state has the highly-skilled workforce needed to compete in a global economy.”
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $43,179 plus benefits. The Catawba County average annual wage is $36,223.
“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.”
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $200,000. 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. 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.”
“After being here for seven decades, HSM and its people are woven deeply into the fabric of our community,” said Rep. Andy Wells. “Their continued success is a positive reflection on their efforts and the entire Catawba Valley.”
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.
For more information about HSM, including job opportunities, visitwww.hsmsolutions.com.
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