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Source: PRESS RELEASE, 3/12/13
Today, Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that OFS Brands, a furniture and logistics company, will expand its facility in Guilford County. The company plans to create 188 jobs and invest $9.25 million over the next five years in High Point.
“Our state has a proud history as a leading furniture manufacturer because our workforce is second to none,” said Governor McCrory. “We’re excited that OFS Brands has decided to invest in North Carolina once again.”
OFS Brands, founded in 1937, is a family-owned and operated furniture and logistics company. The company manufactures furniture under the brands OFS, First Office, Carolina Business Furniture and Loewenstein.
OFS Brands also provides transportation services through Styline Logistics, a subsidiary located in High Point. The project will allow OFS Brands to consolidate its four different operations under one roof. The company currently employs more than 190 people in North Carolina.
“We’re committed to partnering with companies to increase the number of products made right here in North Carolina,” said Sharon Decker, N.C. Secretary of Commerce. “OFS Brands is a great corporate citizen that is actively engaged in the High Point community. We wish them continued success in North Carolina.”
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual salaries for the new jobs will be $42,119, plus benefits.
“OFS Brands is extremely excited to establish our permanent home in High Point, NC. We are grateful to the State, County and City for supporting our company,” said Ryan Menke, Sr., Vice President of Supply Chain and Managing Director of Services Division. “Their generous assistance will allow us to grow and expand new opportunities for the local community. Our shared core values of family and work ethic have created a perfect marriage between our IN and NC teams.”
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $300,000. The state grant will be based on the company creating 126 jobs and investing $8.4 million over the first three years of the project. The grant is contingent upon proof of job creation and receipt of a local funding match. 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.
“I am delighted that OFS Brands is bringing 188 new jobs and a capital investment of $9.25 million to Guilford County,” said Sen. Trudy Wade. “I look forward to working with Governor McCrory on business-friendly policies to ensure we see many more of these types of jobs announcements.”
“What a pleasure to hear that the well-known and successful company, OFS Brands, has chosen to expand its presence in High Point,” said Rep. John Faircloth. “We are presently seeing the growth of the logistics sector as well as the gradual but steady return of furniture manufacturing in the Triad and North Carolina. This company well represents both endeavors and is making a strong statement with their announcement. Welcome to a great corporate citizen and many thanks for choosing us for your latest expansion.”
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Guilford County, City of High Point and the High Point Economic Development Corporation.
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