Dalton—The second phase of a major modernization project was recently begun by Shaw Industries at its Andulusia extrusion facility, a 1.17 million square foot plant in South Alabama. The effort, representing a capital investment of more than $35 million, calls for replacement of extrusion equipment and extensive building upgrades, with a sizable section of the plant being demolished and rebuilt. The project’s purpose is to improve employee safety, product quality and manufacturing efficiency, noted Scott Sandlin, Shaw’s vice president of marketing.

Of Shaw’s more than 100 manufacturing plants and distribution centers across the U.S., the Andalusia facility is the largest. There, carpet yarns are extruded and twisted/heatset for manufacturing Shaw carpet and rugs. “The impact of this project is exciting and far-reaching. It will even have a direct affect on our dealers and their customers,” said Sandlin. “The expansion will enable us to give better service and faster response in meeting the growing demands of our most popular fiber systems.” Sandlin said the Andalusia plant can process many nylon and poly-propylene yarn systems, including these brands:

• EverTouch - One of the most widely used soft fibers in the industry, an innovative nylon that creates exceptionally soft yet durable carpets, Ever-Touch features performance characteristics and styling flexibility seldom seen in comparable products;

• EverTouchSD - Shaw Fibers’ newest, solution-dyed nylon that is also very soft, EverTouchSD offers styling flexibility, value and protection by R2X, Shaw’s patented stain- and soil-repellent system;

• Comfortouch - Polypropylene fiber that is extremely soft, comfortable and inherently stain-resistant, Comfor-touch products are an affordable choice offering strong performance and up-to-the-minute styling, and

• Eco Solution Q - Fully recyclable, high-performance nylon fiber used in Main Street commercial products (available through flooring stores).

Other results expected from the expansion are notable as well, explained Cary Baker, Andalusia’s director of operations. “Use of the new equipment will have a positive impact on employee safety, because materials handling will be reduced. We’ll have greater capacity and a better, more efficiently produced product.” He said demolition at the facility was begun in January and projects that construction should be complete, with the first machinery in place, by the first quarter of 2005. Start-up for the last machines is scheduled for fourth quarter, 2005. For additional information, call 706/275-1755.