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.
