Mohawk to Build New Facilities in Georgia - Update

Calhoun, GA, June 18---Mohawk Industries said Thursday it will invest $33 million in two new assembly and distribution centers in Calhoun, Ga. Mohawk’s corporate headquarters are located in Calhoun as are many of the company’s assets. The new facilities will be used by Mohawk Home, the company rug unit and involve construction of 1.3 million square feet of space, which will be adjacent to an existing company facility just off Interstate 75. John Swift, Mohawk Industries' chief financial officer, said the new facilities will replace space that the company had leased. Georgia governor Sonny Perdue, who announced the expansion at a news conference with company and local elected officials said, "Georgia is a great place to do business and we are excited that Mohawk has decided to invest in their operations here at home." He said the company is a leading supplier of flooring for residential and commercial applications and employs more than 18,000 Georgians. Mohawk had looked at sites in South Carolina and Maryland before deciding to expand in Georgia. The company said the move could lead to the creation of 125 more jobs and the retention of 485 others. Mohawk will receive an incentives package from the state worth between $4.5 million and $4.8 million, mainly through job tax credits. Part of the incentive package includes a $760,000 grant for site work, according to the state Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism.