Mullican Expanding Production at Virginia Plant

Johnson City, TN, Sept. 4, 2012 -- Hardwood manufacturer Mullican Flooring said it plans to hire 28 new employees at its Norton, Virginia production facility in order to meet anticipated product demand in the coming months.
 
The growth is being facilitated by a grant from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission and represents a $3 million investment in new hires and equipment.
 
The commission is a 31-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly to promote economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement.

“Considering the economic times we are in, it is refreshing to see 28 new jobs being added to the area of Wise County, and the $3 million investment will help our economy expand,” said Virginia Senator Bill Carrico.
 
Due to the expansion, the Norton operation will have an additional 400,000 board feet of kiln capacity, representing a 20 percent increase in the facility’s overall production.
 
“Right now, housing starts are up 21.5 percent, which is a good sign," said Mullican president Neil Poland.

"We want to remain poised to meet the market demands of builders and developers as the American economy continues to improve.”
 
Only solid hardwood flooring is manufactured at the Norton plant.
 
“The changes over the past year to our finishing capacity in Johnson City have played a key role in our ability to increase production at Norton,” Poland noted.