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News -- April 20, 2022: Governor Roy Cooper announced today that furniture manufacturer Vanguard Furniture Company, Inc. plans to create 100 new jobs in Burke County, North Carolina. Morganton's upholstery manufacturing operations will receive a $5.9 million investment from the company.
“North Carolina continues to be the global leader for furniture manufacturing,” said Governor Cooper. “Vanguard’s decision to expand in our state affirms that our quality of life and skilled workforce can provide a thriving business climate that brings success.”
This North Carolina-based company specializes in the production and distribution of high-end case goods and upholstery. Conover, North Carolina, and Hillsville, Virginia, are home to the company's seven manufacturing facilities and flagship showrooms, which employ 680 people. Its vision is to make a difference in people's lives by providing high-quality, custom-made furniture that is stylish, affordable, and easy to use. Including the new facility in Morganton, this marks the company's eighth manufacturing facility, all of which are geared toward case goods, finishing, and upholstery production.
“This plant has a rich history and is an ideal footprint for making custom furniture. The building is on one level, has high ceilings and will allow Vanguard to efficiently warehouse materials and ship finished furniture,” said Andy Bray, President of Vanguard Furniture. “We selected Morganton because the local community has hundreds of generational craftsmen with sawdust in their blood. In fact, many of our best artisans and craftsmen currently make the 30-mile trip to our Conover headquarters every day and are thrilled at the prospect of not having to commute as far. This is a classic win-win. We create jobs and with expanded capacity and shortened lead-times for our dealers and their customers.”
“With the largest furniture manufacturing industry and workforce in the United States, North Carolina is a confident choice for Vanguard,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “When we combine being first in furniture with being first in talent, North Carolina will continue to maintain its reputation as the furniture capital of the world.”
The average annual wage for the new positions is $42,536, which is higher than Burke County's overall average annual wage of $38,499. Over the course of a year, the new employees will be able to contribute more than $4.2 million in wages to the area.
The One North Carolina Fund has awarded Vanguard a $250,000 performance-based grant to aid in their North Carolina expansion. Economic development and job creation are two of the goals of the One NC Fund, which provides financial assistance to local governments. In order to be reimbursed, companies must create and invest in new jobs and capital. All One NC grants necessitate local government participation, and any award is contingent on that participation.
Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington
