Ultracoat, LLC Brings New Operation to NC

Forest City, NC - The Rutherford County Economic Development Commission is pleased to announce that Ultracoat, LLC will be locating a facility in Rutherford County and creating 47 new jobs by the end of 2009, plus an investment of over $2,000,000.  They are in the process of purchasing the Howard Harrill building on Vance Street in Forest City.  Hiring will begin in January 2008, through the Employment Security Commission with production set to begin in May, 2008.

Tom Johnson, Economic Developer for Rutherford County stated that, "We are pleased to announce the location of Ultracoat in Rutherford County as the trend to diversify our economic base continues.  We feel they have a tremendous growth potential and look forward to many years of growth and success in Rutherford County."   

Ultracoat will paint component pieces for MRAP VEHICLES for companies that are a Tier 1 government contractor.  They use the CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) process.  To further assist in the location of the company, Rutherford County has approved an Economic Development Grant and has applied for grant funds through the NC Rural Center's Building and Reuse Program to renovate the Howard Harrill building.

Wendell Fannin, VP of Business Development for Ultra stated, "We are excited about the opportunities for growing a new company that enhances our sister company 'Ultra.'  We are equally excited about locating in Rutherford County and look forward to becoming part of the Forest City community. One of our (The Four Principles of Ultracoat) objectives was to locate in an area with similar values as ours and a strong industrial environment. Rutherford County is exactly what we had in mind. The residents and business community of Rutherford County have made us feel welcome and we sincerely look forward to becoming part of the local family."

Others participating in the project location include the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, the Workforce Development Board and Isothermal Community College.

Ultracoat, LLC was founded in 2007 and its parent company is Ultra which has three facilities in Cleveland County, employing about 400. The primary focus of Ultracoat is government contracts, specifically for military application.

County Commissioner, Chairman Chivous Bradley stated that, "We are excited to finish out 2007 with another annoucement of job growth.  We are excited to have Ultracoat locate here in the county and become part of the overall manufacturing base of our community."

Rutherford County has a population of 63,000 and is located in the foothills of Western North Carolina.  With a strong economy and workforce, Rutherford County is well poised for industrial and commercial growth. 

The Economic Development office includes four staff focused on industrial recruitment, existing industry, marketing, commercial development, research and analysis, and administration.

Contact Information:

Kerry Giles
Rutherford County EDC
Marketing & Commercial Development Director
kgiles@rutherfordncedc.com
828.248.1717