Mohawk Industries has acquired the former Beaulieu fiber facility in Bridgeport, Alabama to support the growing demand for its carpet and rug collections, said Brian Carson, president of Mohawk Flooring North America. This transaction includes a commitment to preserve current jobs and grow employment in the community.

Mohawk’s investment will ensure that the plant – and those jobs – have a future in Jackson County for years to come. They are impressed with the Bridgeport plant’s team and manufacturing capabilities, and they look forward to growing the plant to produce innovative fibers into the future.

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, Mohawk is investing significantly to modernize and upgrade the equipment and the building in the Jackson County city,

Mohawk has established its initial workforce with individuals already employed at the plant and is actively recruiting people to satisfy present staffing needs. The company anticipates increasing its Bridgeport workforce as ongoing investments expand the plant’s manufacturing capacity.

This transaction by Mohawk, which supports employment growth in Jackson County, was facilitated by teamwork and a determination to find a new owner for a manufacturing facility that has been critical to the vitality of its community, said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

Jackson County officials said that the revival of the fiber plant represents a major economic boon to Bridgeport, a community with a population of around 2,400.

Mayor Bubba Hughes said that they are excited to welcome Mohawk to Bridgeport. They are eager to work with them to make their move a success.

In January, the Beaulieu Group announced plans to shut down most of the operations at the Bridgeport factory, where it extruded nylon, polyester and polypropylene fibers and provided heat set and cabling for fibers. The plant, open since 1987, was the city’s second largest manufacturing employer.

Beaulieu also launched a search for a buyer, and received a helping hand from local leaders and a host of economic development agencies.

Vince Perez, a project manager with the Alabama Department of Commerce, said that Mohawk was in the market for a new fiber facility when Beaulieu put the Bridgeport plant up for sale. The deal allowed Mohawk to avoid a costly “greenfield” project while being able to invest in new technology and meet an internal timeline. Mohawk selected the Alabama location over a strong option in South Carolina.

Commerce, including AIDT, teamed with the Jackson County Economic Development Authority, City of Bridgeport, Jackson County Commission, Jackson County Legislative delegation, and Bridgeport Utilities to offer job training, tax abatements and other incentives. The Tennessee Valley Authority also assisted on the project.

Mohawk Industries with a complete line of products including carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl tile operates manufacturing facilities in 11 states and 15 countries, and the company’s products are sold in more than 160 nations.