150 Jobs Coming to Stoneville As Company Leaves China
STONEVILLE, N.C. (WGHP)—
A company is moving production from China to Rockingham County, creating at least 150 jobs over the next two years.
Gerbing's Heated Clothing announced Thursday it will move into the old Stoneville Furniture Factory that had sat vacant for eight years.
The company makes wire-heated clothing apparel like jackets and gloves Harley-Davidson and other companies. Their products have been favorites of motorcyclists for years.
"I came here, walked through the building with my COO, and there was something here that just grabbed me and said, 'This is the place.' I don't know how to explain that," said Gordon Gerbing, company owner.
"It's the most exciting thing that's happened in Stoneville since I've been mayor," said Rex Tuggle, who has led the town for 18 years.
Tuggle calls it exciting because the town of just more than 1,000 has an unemployment rate of roughly 14 percent.
"It's hard, it's real hard. The economy's not good. I've been in Stoneville all my life, and I'm really excited about seeing some growth," said Pam Craddock, resident.
While Thursday's announcement took place in one warehouse in a larger complex, Gerbing said he wants his company to be in all of them.
"I told the state 158 jobs in four years, but you can throw that out the window. My goal is to create 300 jobs in two years," Gerbing said.
Owner said he is leaving China because manufacturing costs have climbed and the workforce there can't be counted on to meet distribution deadlines. Gerbing founded the company in 1976 just south of Seattle.
Ahhhhhhhhh, Stoneville, N.C., sounds like one more reason to ride thru N.C. ; the next motorcycle mecca perhaps? Great news. And, I'll be seeing you there this year. Count on it Savage.
