Thomasville adding 100 local jobs

Reversing the trend in the local furniture industry, Lenoir-based Thomasville Furniture announced plans Tuesday to hire more than 100 employees for its only remaining U.S. case goods plant.

Located at 315 Elizabeth St., the new hires will push the total number of employees past the 800 mark.

In recent meetings with employees, Thomasville President Ed Teplitz reviewed the pending changes. Among the reasons cited for the decision were the rising cost of doing business overseas – including increased labor expenses – higher shipping charges and the increase in fuel prices.

The company intends to increase capacity at the plant by one-third and is scheduled to have the new employees in place by the end of the year.

In recent years, Thomasville has altered the focus of its business to add contract furniture to its traditional case goods production. The company also has relocated key pieces of equipment from other plants to the Lenoir location.

The news of the new hires was welcomed by Caldwell County officials.

"We are beyond happy to see Thomasville adding workers in Caldwell County," Caldwell County Board of Commissioners Chairman Herb Greene said. "This is wonderful, and we hope to see additional growth in the future. Furniture has been a way of life in our county, and we hope to see it remain so. Diversity is nice, and we need it, but it is also important to add jobs that our people are already trained to do."

Lenoir Mayor David Barlow said the announcement counters the perception that furniture is no longer a viable employment option.

"I was afraid that growth in furniture was a thing of the past," Barlow said. "To have 100 good-paying jobs added in Lenoir is tremendous. This, along with the growth we have seen in other areas, will make a difference to our citizens."

Thomasville has advised that the positions will be for first and second shifts. There will be an emphasis on hiring experienced workers, though some non-experienced positions are available.

Thomasville Human Resources Director Ann Vaughan said interested individuals may apply through the company's human resources department or the county's North Carolina Employment Security Commission office located at 504 Wilkesboro Boulevard, Lenoir.

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