Highland Industries to expand in Cheraw

Highland Industries Inc. has announced expansion plans for weft insertion manufacturing at its Cheraw plant. The expansion is scheduled to begin in November.

Highland, which has its U.S. headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., specializes in a variety of fabric forming and finishing technologies, resulting in a diversified product portfolio servicing a global customer base, according to a Chesterfield County Economic Development Office press release.

“We are extremely satisfied with the continued growth and the expansion of our operations. We are proud of the job creation opportunities for Cheraw,” Nick Irwin, director of manufacturing for Highland Industries, said in the release. “The strength of our operations is the diversification of our business and the adaptability of our associates to participate in our growth.”

Highland has contributed $23 million in utilities, wages and benefits for the local economy. During fiscal years 2008 and 2009, the company invested $9 million in the Cheraw plant. The projected capital investment for fiscal year 2010 is $3.5 million. The company’s products include airbag fabrics, aerospace applications, woven fabrics, weft and raschel knit fabrics, circular knit fabrics, rubber-coated fabrics and liners, polyurethane and PVC coating and lamination, and infinity fabric for digital imaging.

“Highland Industries has shown dedication and support to our community and we look forward to many more years of continued growth and success,” said “It takes a lot of work and cooperation between our local communities to provide the necessary environment for existing businesses to grow,” Cheraw Mayor Scott Hunter said in the release. “With recent job losses in the Cheraw area, Highland will have no difficulties finding highly skilled and motivated workers.”

Chesterfield County Council Chairman Matt Rivers said Highland Industries’ decision to locate its new weft insertion operation in Cheraw is “yet another strong testament to our skilled workforce and business-friendly environment ... The very best tribute to a county and town is when a company continues to reinvest over and over.”

For more information about Highland Industries, visit its Web site, http://www.highlandindustries.com.