CENTRAL — Two hundred and fifty jobs are being eliminated from Pickens County after it was announced Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is “shifting production” from their manufacturing plant in Central to other Shaw facilities throughout the Southeast.

The consolidation process will begin immediately, with operations ceasing at the facility (known as Plant 8T) by the end of June, a spokesperson for the company said.

The announcement came less than two weeks after the company named a new President, Tim Baucom.

“Tim has been an instrumental member of our leadership team since his appointment as executive vice president of our residential group three years ago. He has led our residential business to improved levels of performance through product innovation, sales organization alignment, brand focus and improved support for customers,” said Shaw Chairman and CEO Vance Bell. “Tim will continue to bring a strategic focus, helping Shaw to rapidly anticipate and evolve with the increasing pace of change in our industry.”

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is a flooring company that provides carpet, resilient, hardwood, tile and stone, laminate, synthetic turf and other specialty items for residential and commercial markets.

“The associates at Plant 8T have been instrumental in creating exceptional quality products. Supporting associates during this transition is our highest priority,” states Mark Hartline, senior director of human resources at Shaw.

The company stated the 250 associates currently employed at the facility will have the “opportunity” to apply for open positions available at Shaw’s other locations in South Carolina and throughout the U.S.

Shaw will also partner with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce’s Rapid Response team and organize career fairs with other employers in the Clemson area, they said.

The company defended the job loss stating over the past five years, they have “invested more than $1.5 billion in its people, processes and products throughout the United States including numerous expansion and modernization efforts currently underway throughout the Southeast.”

By leveraging its investments in newer and advanced technology, this consolidation allows Shaw to “more fully utilize newer facilities with a broader range of capabilities while meeting ever-changing customer demands,” they said.

Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., Shaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway with more than $6 billion in annual revenue.

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Operations will cease at the facility known as Plant 8T by the end of June.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_shaw2.jpgOperations will cease at the facility known as Plant 8T by the end of June. Courtesy photo

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@cmpapers.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.