ROBBINSVILLE – Training is underway for prospective employees of a China-based manufacturer that hopes to begin operations in its first United States-based plant this year.
EcoKing Solutions acquired the 588,000-square-foot former home of both Stanley Furniture and Oak Valley Hardwoods at 68 Snowbird Road in Robbinsville.
The plant employed hundreds in its heyday but sat vacant or mostly vacant for years, but when it was fully up and running, it provided steady jobs in Graham, Cherokee, Swain and other surrounding counties.
Once fully operational, the new plant could employ up to 300 workers.
Josh Carpenter with EcoKing updated Graham County commissioners about the ongoing process to begin production of eco-friendly, biodegradable pulp tableware (such as plates, bowls and trays), and food packaging containers. Chick-fil-A and Chipotle already utilize EcoKing's to-go containers.
In February, a press tour of the facility displayed 16 pieces of production equipment – each carrying a price tag of $1.5 million. A concrete-lined pit has been poured at the back of the plant, which will filter and reuse the water inside the machines.
The equipment cost $24 million alone – plus $500,000 for installation costs.
Carpenter said June 16 that coordinated training efforts are underway through NCWorks Career Center in Murphy, the Southwestern Workforce Development Board, Tri-County Community College and Western Carolina University, to develop both a strategy for hiring practices and an employee handbook. Introductory training for the factory would be conducted through Tri-County's Graham County Center.
Additionally, EcoKing employees have been brought in from China to assist in the training process. Carpenter noted that the visa process for that alone can take 180 days.
The Town of Robbinsville is also working "diligently" to install new wastewater lines, after the existing infrastructure was found to be insufficient in February. This has also delayed the anticipated May launch for production, but EcoKing is just getting started.
"I really want to thank Graham County – and the Town of Robbinsville – for everything that has been done to bring this organization and support them through this whole process," Carpenter said. "This is a huge benefit to our community and will increase our tax base."
The initial hiring phase will onboard between 70-100 employees, but demand could expand that number to 300.
A waiting list for applicants is available through NCWorks. The center can be reached at 828-837-7407.