Governor Cooper Announces 72 New Jobs in Catawba County | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s Sutter Street Manufacturing will expand operations with $1.9 million investment

    RALEIGH: Sutter Street Manufacturing, a Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operation, plans to create 72 new jobs with an expansion in Catawba County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The upholstered furniture manufacturing company plans to invest $1.9 million over three years to upgrade its facilities in Claremont.

    "North Carolina is home to some of the most skilled furniture talent in the world," said Governor Cooper. "It's that talent that keeps furniture manufacturers here, and this expansion is a testament to the health of the furniture industry in North Carolina."

    Sutter Street Manufacturing produces top-quality upholstered home furnishings for Williams-Sonoma, Inc. through brands like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma Home. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. established the operation in 2007 with just 25 associates. Sutter Street Manufacturing now employs 583 associates and plans to create 72 new full-time jobs in the next three years.

    "Sutter Street Manufacturing has grown to support 583 full-time jobs in Catawba County for highly skilled furniture artisans," said N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. "The company's facilities need upgrading to keep pace with this growth, and this grant will help make that happen."

    While compensation will vary by position, average salaries for the new jobs associated with the One NC grant are expected to be $47,840, above the Catawba County's current average annual wage of $39,780.

    "Ten years ago, we decided to invest in North Carolina and Catawba County because of the vast pool of skilled furniture craftsmen and women. Our talented associates are second to none and critical to the success of our organization," said Darryl Webster, Vice President of Sutter Street Manufacturing. "North Carolina and Catawba County have been valuable business partners working hand in hand with us to drive success. We are excited about our growth and look forward to continuing our partnership."

    A performance-based grant of $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Sutter Street Manufacturing's expansion in Catawba County. The One NC 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 and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

    "Promotion of business expansion and job growth is our top priority." said N.C. Senator Andy Wells. "Especially in an area like ours that has lost thousands of jobs."

    "Sutter Street Manufacturing has made a positive impact on our community in a relatively short amount of time," said N.C. Representative Mitchell Setzer. "We welcome the expansion and the investment."

    In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the N.C. General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the City of Claremont, Catawba County, Duke Energy, the N.C. Department of Transportation and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov