Nourison Gets Tax Break on Planned Georgia Facilit
Calhoun, GA, February 22, 2006--The Gordon County Commission on Tuesday approved a seven-year tax abatement for Nourison Rug Corp., which plans to build a facility there, bringing between 50 to 150 jobs, according to a report in the Calhoun Times.
Nourison, the New Jersey-based carpet company, will open a rug finishing and distribution center in Calhoun, said attorney Bill Thompson, speaking on behalf of the Gordon County Development Authority. Thompson addressed the board at an afternoon work session.
Nourison, a diversified producer and importer of handmade area rugs, plans to build a 235,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility, Thompson said. The facility will be built on a 40-acre tract on U.S. 41 and Union Grove Road.
“The company currently does not have a presence in the South,” Thompson told the commissioners. “They are preparing to move into Gordon County. This will be an $11.5 million project.”
The company manufactures rugs in China and ships them to the United States for finishing and final processing, Thompson said. Nourison rugs are sold through a network of dealers across the United States and at major retailers, such as Macy's and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
The development authority has approved an $11.5 million bond inducement resolution for the privately held company.
“In time, they plan to double the size of their new facility,” Thompson said.
The rugs will likely be brought into the country through a port in Savannah, he said. The rugs will then be “processed” in Gordon County and sent to various distribution points for sale.
The City of Calhoun is also committing to a seven-year property tax abatement plan, Thompson said.
The governing bodies plan to offer a 100 percent tax abatement to the company during its first year of operation, reducing it each year until it reaches the 30 percent level in year seven.
“This is a very strong, privately held company,” said Thompson.
“This is a very good deal for Calhoun and for Gordon County,” he told the board.
Gordon County Chamber of Commerce President Jimmy Phillips recently told development authority members that industrial-prospect activity remains high.
He said he is currently working with eight other potential industries that are looking at Gordon County.
"Right now, we are getting one new project a week, “ he said.
