Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Shaw Industries Group, Inc. will build a new facility in Bartow County to manufacture modular carpet tiles. The company is expected to make an $85 million investment in Georgia and create 500 new jobs.

“The steady comeback of the floor covering industry in North Georgia continues to reflect the resurgence of the global economy,” said Deal. “Companies such as Shaw Industries are moving aggressively to meet demand, and Georgia stands ready to equip them with the trained workforce and infrastructure network they need.”

“Through the combination of product innovation, design and sustainability, we have grown to become the largest producer of carpet tile in North America,” said Shaw Chairman and CEO Vance Bell. “We have expanded our existing Cartersville carpet tile facility to its maximum so the Adairsville plant will allow for continued long-term growth in this important product segment. We will also soon open a new carpet tile plant in China to service the Asia market.”

Shaw plans to build and equip 600,000 to 700,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. The plant will be built on 117.6 acres located near the intersection of Highway 140 and Hall Station Road. Construction will begin in 2014.

“We have a long history in Bartow County,” said Shaw Director of Corporate Assets Chuck Dobbins. “The close collaboration with state and local government and economic development officials, the availability of suitable land, the readiness of a diverse talent pool and easy access to transportation hubs were instrumental in our site selection process.”

As Bartow County’s largest employer, Shaw currently operates six facilities in the county, including another carpet tile manufacturing facility located in Cartersville. Shaw worked closely with the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development, Bartow County, the city of Adairsville, the Development Authority of Bartow County, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and numerous other officials as it explored potential sites and collaborated on a Memorandum of Understanding to accommodate its business growth.

Brittany Holtzclaw, GDEcD Project Manager, oversaw the project for the state. In addition, Georgia Quick Start, the nation’s top-ranked workforce training program, will work with Shaw to ensure its employees receive the customized training necessary to maintain the company’s competitive edge.

“This was a highly competitive opportunity for Bartow County,” said Bartow County Sole Commissioner Steve Taylor. “Shaw is not only an employer of choice, but also a great corporate citizen and environmental advocate. We work hard to support the success of our existing industries anyway, but what an honor and a testimony on several levels that the company would consider Adairsville-Bartow County for this new investment.”

“We look forward to Shaw expanding its presence in Adairsville together with our community partners,” said Adairsville Mayor Evan King. “Adairsville’s location, business-friendly environment and proactive position with respect to accommodating the needs of quality companies are paying off. This marks a truly historic commitment for our community with its economic impact being felt far beyond our city limits.”

Shaw employs approximately 15,000 associates in its operations throughout Georgia.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to see this aggressive growth from one of Georgia’s top corporate citizens,” said commissioner of the GDEcD Chris Cummiskey. “Shaw has played an important part in establishing Georgia as a global leader in the floor covering industry.”

With the approval of the MOU by the Development Authority of Bartow County, Shaw’s next steps include continued collaboration with the city, county and state as it proceeds with standard site related due diligence, permitting and other contractual processes.