SOUTHERN WEAVING ACQUIRES CHICAGO-BASED JONES PRODUCTS

Will Relocate the Coatings Company to Anderson, South Carolina

Greenville, S.C.-September 2, 2011-CEO Ron Mohling announced today that Greenville-based Southern Weaving Company, manufacturer of narrow webbing, has expanded its manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of Jones Products, a company specializing in coatings for webbing.  This purchase will give Southern Weaving the ability to add value to its products.  Coatings can enhance the performance of webbing, making it more abrasion-resistant, durable, waterproof, and cleanable, among other characteristics.

"The former Jones Products has actually been a valued Southern Weaving customer for many years, and we are pleased to combine forces with them to offer the market coated webbing," Mohling said.  Mohling indicated that, within the next few months, the equipment will be transitioned from the Chicago area to Southern Weaving's Anderson, South Carolina facility.  Darryl King, Anderson plant manager, will lead the transition team.  Some key personnel from the former Jones Products will relocate to South Carolina, and Southern Weaving anticipates adding up to six new employees as the coating business grows.

Southern Weaving has been in business since 1924 and has led the launch of technical textiles into many arenas, from brakepads for the Model T Ford, to composite layers for the shell of inflatable space structures.  Its operation includes manufacturing facilities in Greenville, S.C., Anderson, S.C., and Collingwood Canada.  The company makes narrow webbing that serves various markets such as industrial slings, fall protection body harnesses, sporting equipment, and hydraulic hose sleeves.  The coating capability will add value in those current markets, and allow Southern Weaving to enter some new markets.

For more information, contact CEO Ron Mohling.
Phone: 864-672-2383
Alternate phone: 864-233-1635
Fax: 864-770-6483
Email: ron.mohling@southernweaving.com

Southern Weaving Company is featured in Wire Rope News Magazine

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Southern Weaving Expands Manufacturing Operations, Workforce in Greenville County

$1.5 million capital investment, addition of jobs strengthens company’s position in industrial woven products industry

Greenville County, S.C. – June 30, 2010 – Southern Weaving Company CEO Ron Mohling and the Greenville Area Development Corporation today announced the company’s investment and expansion at its Greenville, S.C. manufacturing facility, including an estimated $1.5 million capital investment by the company, and the relocation or addition of about 20 positions to Greenville this summer.

Southern Weaving Company specializes in the design, development and manufacture of industrial woven products including nylon, cotton and polyester webbing. The material produced by Southern Weaving is primarily used for cargo restraints, safety harnesses, sling webs, and hydraulic hose sleeves and other containment applications.  The company is also a leading supplier of cotton transfer belts, serving the domestic and international markets including China.

“This initiative, already underway, will improve and expand our manufacturing capabilities and efficiencies in Greenville County,” said Mark Isbell, Vice President of Operations for Southern Weaving. “It will expand our capacity to serve customers globally as economic conditions continue their rebound over the next several years.”  

The expanded Greenville facility, located at 1005 West Bramlett Road, will benefit from the addition of equipment and talent from Southern Weaving’s ISO 9001:2000 certified Easley facility that is being consolidated into the Greenville operation, Isbell noted.  “We are currently in process of relocating those employees and equipment from Easley to Greenville, which will provide improved efficiency and productivity for both our operations and our customers,” he added.

The expansion, expected to be fully complete in July, will leave Southern Weaving Company facilities in Anderson, SC and in Ontario, Canada, in addition to the expanded Greenville operations.  Southern Weaving currently employs in excess of 175 associates in all locations, including over 160 in South Carolina. Even though most of the recent positions have been filled with associates transferring to the Greenville facility, the Company anticipates gradual hiring over the next several months as the economic recovery continues. Persons interested in job opportunities should visit the local employment office for more information or submit their resume to jobs@southernweaving.com. 

“Southern Weaving would like to thank Greenville County and the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) for their support in helping plan and execute this effort,” Isbell added.  “The GADC was particularly instrumental in helping us realize the value of investing and growing our organization within Greenville County.”

Founded in Greenville in 1924, Southern Weaving Company has a long and storied history, and an even-brighter future, noted Rick Guarnaccia, VP of Sales and Marketing.  “From cotton webbings used by Ford Motor Company in Model-T’s to military tapes during World War II, and seat belt webbing in 1950s-era automobiles to our current line-up of high strength narrow fabrics used for engineered specialty applications, Southern Weaving has continued to change proactively by serving our customer base with superior products and service. This initiative is another important step for our organization, and we’re happy to take that step right here in Greenville County.”

“Southern Weaving Company is a market leader in the production of industrial webbing. We’re delighted that they have selected Greenville County for this expansion,” said Jo Hackl, Chairperson of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “As a home-grown manufacturer with innovative processes, an expansive customer base, and a history of success, the company is a valued member of our business community, and a reaffirmation that specialty manufacturing can thrive and succeed in South Carolina.”