Furniture Manufacturer to Create 11 Jobs in Rockingham County

, N.C. -- Today, Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that Southern Finishing Company, a furniture and cabinet component manufacturer, will expand its facility in Rockingham County.  The company plans to create 11 jobs and invest more than $500,000 over the next three years in Stoneville.  
 
"An important part of our economic growth strategy must include increasing the number of products  made in North Carolina," said Governor McCrory. "Our state's skilled workforce gives manufacturers a huge competitive advantage."
 
Southern Finishing Company, founded in 1978, specializes in prefinishing mouldings, accessories, panels, doors, kitchen and bath cabinet components, and bedrails crafted to each customer's specifications. The company partners with manufacturers such as American Woodmark, Marsh Furniture, Armstrong Cabinets, Quality Cabinets and Thomasville Furniture. Southern Finishing currently employs 10 people at its Stoneville facility.
 
“North Carolina has a global reputation for manufacturing top-notch furniture,” said Sharon Decker, N.C. Secretary of Commerce. “This expansion is great news for a community that was hit hard by the economic recession.”
 
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual payroll for the new jobs will be more than $280,000.
 
“Southern Finishing has a 32 year history in the wood industry in North Carolina, so this is a logical step for us,” said Ed Brown, President & CEO, Southern Finishing Company.  “Many of our customers and suppliers have facilities in North Carolina.  We currently have a manufacturing facility here.  This background, the availability of affordable space and a labor force with wood industry experience in the area make this an ideal site for Southern Finishing.  This move will allow us to consolidate our manufacturing base, reduce overhead, save existing manufacturing jobs and concentrate on future growth.  We appreciate the opportunity that the State of North Carolina, the Town of Stoneville and Rockingham County are affording us.” 
 
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $13,000. The grant is contingent upon proof of job creation and receipt of a local funding match. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.  
 
“Developing a climate for job creation in the state of North Carolina is my number one priority," said Rep. Bryan Holloway. "I am very pleased that Southern Finishing has chosen to invest in Rockingham County.”
 
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Rockingham County, Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development and the Town of Stoneville.