Jacob Holm Industries expanding Candler plant, adding 66 jobs

From the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County:

Asheville, N.C., October 4, 2013 – In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), Jacob Holm Industries, a global nonwoven manufacturer, today announced the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Candler with over $45.9 million investment in facilities and equipment. The total project could exceed $60 million when it is completed. Jacob Holm’s investment in Buncombe County will bring 66 new positions to accommodate the addition of a new product line. The project is contingent upon approval at public hearing. The company, which originally located in Buncombe County in 2005, currently employs 82 workers at the Candler production facility.

Jacob Holm Industries, founded in 1794, is headquartered globally in Basel, Switzerland. The Buncombe County facility is the headquarters for its U.S. subsidiary. Jacob Holm Industries is one of the world’s leading nonwoven corporations, offering high-quality products for the personal care, home care, hygiene, packaging and industrial markets. This additional production line is planned to start commercial production in Q1, 2015.

“Jacob Holm Industries is pleased to announce this new technology investment at our existing operation in Candler,” said Jacob Holm President, Steve Landon. “Since opening our doors in Western North Carolina back in 2005, the company has been impressed with the local community, the availability of a quality workforce and the willingness of state and local officials to support our goal of becoming the premiere non-woven manufacturer in North America.”

“We applaud the long-term vision of the Jacob Holm team, who have worked quietly for the past several years to make this commitment possible,” said David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “Companies don’t make this level of investment without the greatest confidence that local workforce and community partnerships will not only meet market demand, but exceed expectations. Today is a great compliment to the people of Buncombe County and a sign of momentum in our regional economy.”

“Actions like the one Jacob Holm Industries is announcing are critical to the vitality of our community. The expansion of this firm creates additional high wage jobs that support our families and neighborhoods while simultaneously building our tax base to fund schools, services and infrastructure,” said EDC Chairman Paul Szurek.

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2 thoughts on “Jacob Holm Industries expanding Candler plant, adding 66 jobs

  1. david king

    when will the hiring start and how hard will it be to get on. I would love to get hired. on

  2. Lo Romey

    Jacob Holm can not survive if it doesn’t change it’s ways. Jacob Holm is suffering from a bad reputation for a history of dishonesty and falsification of company documents. Vice-president Sellers got in trouble for misuse of the US mail to communicate threats and as a result has been banned from parts of Buncombe County. If he violates the ban he is going to be reported to the police for trespassing.
    Maintenance manager Watts is looking at a slander and libel lawsuit for putting false accusations into employee records. Customers do not want a supplier which is dishonest and exploits its community. The legal costs to the company as a result of its outrages, injuries to the community and hazardous workplace design will be crushing. The business outlook is bad for a company which shows no respect for the truth and uses threats and harassment to pursue its own selfish interests, which it places above the moral obligation to do the right thing.

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