Quality Enclosures, Inc., a manufacturer of shower enclosures and tempered glass, will create 65 full-time jobs over four years at a new facility in Stanly County. The company will invest nearly $3.3 million to upfit a vacant building in Albemarle and open a high-tech tempering operation, shower door distribution center and national training center.
“Manufacturers know North Carolina is the place to grow thanks to our strong workforce, favorable business climate, and exceptional worker training,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “These new manufacturing positions will bring valuable job opportunities to help these rural communities thrive.”
The distribution center will service South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. The training center will host hands-on training for employees and customers from across the United States.
“The expansion into North Carolina will give us the ability to produce tempered glass with a lower cost and increased safety for our employees,” said Steve Schwartz, CEO of Quality Enclosures. “By locating in North Carolina, we will double our tempered glass production, which will be shipped daily to our Tennessee and Georgia shower door manufacturing plants. Without the help of the Great State of North Carolina, Stanley County and the City of Albemarle this would not be possible.”
Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position. Once all positions are filled, the project will have an annual payroll impact of $2,105,025.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company’s expansion decision.
A performance-based grant of $150,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Quality Enclosures expansion to North Carolina. The One N.C. Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments.
“We are pleased to welcome Quality Enclosures to Stanly County,” said state Sen. Tom McInnis. “These manufacturing and distribution jobs are needed here, and I know our community is ready to hit the ground running and help make this project a success.”
State Rep. Justin P. Burr said, “Quality Enclosures is not only adding jobs, training and investment in Stanly County, but is energizing our community by bringing life to a long-vacant building in Albemarle. I am glad to welcome them here.”
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Stanly County, the City of Albemarle, Stanly County Economic Development Commission and ElectriCities.