East Flat Rock, NC – Germany-based Elkamet, announced plans for an expansion which would allow for the addition of a new plastics-related product to support existing and new business in the automotive sector. The $2,350,000 plus investment in machinery and equipment will begin this fall, with production slated to begin in early 2015. The new product expansion will result in the creation of 15 to 20 new positions, in addition to the existing 54 employees. Elkamet plans to start hiring in 3rd quarter-2014 for positions including machine operators, and supporting staff.
Charlie Messer, Chairman of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, said, “Henderson County’s employment growth is driven by incremental decisions by small and medium-sized businesses that choose to invest in our community and employ our friends and neighbors. The Board of Commissioners supported the effort to encourage Elkamet’s initial location here, and we are proud to be a partner in their continued success and growth.”
Headquartered in Biedenkopf, Germany the company chose to locate their first and only US manufacturing operation in Henderson County, NC in 2006. Since that time, the company has doubled their workforce, doubled the footprint of their building, and diversified the markets and customers they serve. Elkamet Plant Manager Artur Bitner said, “Since the beginning of our engagement here in Henderson County, we found the support and the right resources for a successful development. This most recent investment is introducing one of our key manufacturing lines to the East Flat Rock location and another important step towards the full integration of the whole value added process.” Elkamet specializes in manufacturing custom rotational molded plastics, such as hydraulic oil tanks, as well as finishing extruded products, like windshield profiles. Products made in the company’s East Flat Rock facility can be found in finished goods made by Ford, Volkswagen, Caterpillar, and many more.
Nathan Kennedy, Board Chair of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development commented, “Elkamet’s continued growth demonstrates Henderson County’s commitment to bringing new companies to the area, but also our focus on nurturing and encouraging their growth and expansion.” Beyond investment and employment impacts, Elkamet continues to showcase their leadership and engagement in the community through the Made in Henderson County initiative, focused on enhancing the connectivity between industry and the school system. Elkamet has hosted 8th grade students at their facilities to provide a better understanding about the diverse employment opportunities in today’s manufacturing environment.
Job seekers interested in exploring employment with Elkamet should look for postings through www.ncworks.gov and Blue Ridge Community College during the summer of 2014. For more information about Elkamet, visit www.elkamet.com.
The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, Inc. is a 501(c)6 organization that works to: retain and attract quality jobs; solicit new business compatible with the assets and values of Henderson County; promote Henderson County’s business image; assist expansion of existing companies; and enhance Henderson County’s overall quality of life. For more information about HCPED, visit www.hcped.org.