ALBEMARLE—Quality Enclosures announced last week that it plans to expand its existing Albemarle location to boost production capacity.
The shower enclosure and tempered glass manufacturer located at 1301 Mabry Drive said it wants to invest $1.5 million and create 36 new jobs over the next five years.
“Our investment in the Albemarle facility represents an expansion of our production capabilities and our commitment to the community and local economy,” Quality Enclosures CEO Steve Schwartz said in a press release. “By creating new jobs and utilizing the latest manufacturing technologies, we aim to enhance our service to customers while contributing positively to the area’s economic development. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to excellence and our belief in the potential of Stanly County as a pivotal location for the manufacturing sector.”
On June 20, the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority announced that it has approved grant requests to local governments totaling $8,680,000 for projects slated to create 802 jobs and will attract over $474 million in public and private investment.
One of the 20 approved grants in the request package is a $250,000 grant for Quality Enclosures to add 5,000 square feet to its existing facility, create 32 jobs, and invest $1,237,500; the company has also been awarded a $50,000 grant from the state’s One North Carolina Fund for the project.
Originally based in Sarasota, FL, the family-owned company has become one of the largest shower door manufacturers in the southeast, with over 60 years of industry experience.
It is now aiming to enhance its delivery service to North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware, with the added facility production in Albemarle on the way.
“Our residents told us in our most recent community survey that economic development should be a high priority,” said Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael. “Our support for Quality Enclosures’ expansion shows we’re listening to the community and taking action. We’re proud to work with local companies committed to creating new job opportunities for the people who call Albemarle home.”
Quality Enclosures opened its Albemarle location in late 2018, creating an expansion into the Charlotte area that had been in the works since 2015. Originally investing $3.3 million to turn a vacant building into a tempering facility, distribution center and national training center, the move resulted in 65 full-time jobs during the first four years in Stanly County.
The City of Albemarle and Stanly County, respectively, conducted recent public hearings on performance-based incentives agreed to by the manufacturer on May 6 and May 13.
“It’s always good to see one of our existing companies expand and invest, which will result in more jobs for our citizens,” said Bill Lawhon, Stanly County Board of Commissioners chairman. “Quality Enclosures has demonstrated their commitment to our community by investing additional resources in Stanly County.”