Governor Josh Stein has announced a new joint venture, TMG & Haartz Solutions LLC, which will create 125 jobs in Rutherford County over the next five years. The company plans to invest $51 million in Bostic to establish an industrial facility supplying synthetic leather materials for automotive interiors to major manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, Volvo, BMW, GM, Toyota, and Ford.
“North Carolina’s robust network of suppliers to the automotive industry grows stronger today with TMG Haartz Solutions’ decision to locate in our state,” said Governor Stein. He emphasized that manufacturing companies recognize North Carolina’s workforce training programs’ ability to provide skilled workers.
TMG Haartz Solutions is a collaboration between two family-owned companies with long histories in the automotive industry. The Haartz Corporation, based in Acton, Massachusetts since 1907, specializes in convertible toppings and interior surface materials. TMG Automotive (TMG), part of the TMG Group headquartered in Portugal, is known for its synthetic leathers used in automotive interiors.
The new company will focus on producing highly engineered synthetic leather materials for components like seat covers and instrument panels. Their mission includes driving innovation while maintaining environmental responsibility at their new site on land previously occupied by Milliken Golden Valley plant.
“Our journey began with a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation,” stated Isabel Furtado from TMG Group. She highlighted the relationship between Gonçalves and Haartz families as one based on mutual respect and shared values. Eric Haartz from The Haartz Corporation echoed this sentiment: “Collaboration is one of our core values… bringing our combined strengths to an exciting new chapter.”
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley noted North Carolina’s status as a leading manufacturing state: “From our world-class transportation networks to our concentration of workers with manufacturing experience, we can offer companies like TMG Haartz Solutions the right ingredients for success.”
While wages will vary by position, the average salary at the new facility will be $64,218 compared to Rutherford County’s average wage of $46,673.
The project benefits from a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by North Carolina’s Economic Investment Committee. This grant could reimburse up to $1.463 million over 12 years if job creation targets are met. It is projected that this initiative will boost North Carolina’s economy by more than $352 million during its term.
Senator Tim Moffitt expressed support: “I’m pleased to see two family-owned companies begin their next phase of growth here.” Representative Paul Scott added: “We welcome these new jobs and this confident investment.”
This project involved collaboration among various entities including the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Isothermal Community College among others.
Since January 1st alone under Governor Stein’s administration there have been announcements totaling over $16 billion capital investment creating upwards of 18 thousand jobs statewide.
