Robbinsville – Looks can be deceiving.
Anyone who drives by 68 Snowbird Road might get the impression that China-based EcoKing Solutions is far from being ready for launch, despite the hype surrounding its arrival to the former home of Stanley Furniture and Oak Valley Hardwoods in a highly-publicized July press conference.
One should always take a second look – at the inside, perhaps.
The Graham Star was fortunate enough to do just that, joining a small group of local and regional leaders for an exclusive look at the progress made inside the building Feb. 12.
Sixteen pieces of production equipment – each carrying a cool price tag of $1.5 million – line the eastern portion of the 588,000-square-foot facility. Each are emblazoned with "EcoKing" decals and ready to produce the company's core product: eco-friendly, biodegradable pulp tableware (such as plates, bowls and trays) and food packaging containers. Nationwide food chains such as Chick-fil-A and Chipotle utilize EcoKing's to-go containers. A concrete 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. More interior and exterior improvements are forthcoming.
The roof? It's up-to-code, thanks to an investment of over $1 million in repairs to 110,000 square feet of the coverage. As the group made its way around, crates of copper were being delivered: a sign that power would soon be restored to the facility, after vandalism robbed the once-dormant plant of the element.
A water pump to work the machines is set to be installed in the coming weeks; while EcoKing still has to address the recent discovery of septic issues.
Optimism is at an all-time high, as everyone looks forward to the boost EcoKing will bring to the region.
But, what about jobs?
Hiring … soon
EcoKing officials said Feb. 12 that the plan is to begin production in May, with the initial phase bringing in 70-100 new jobs.
As demand rises, that number could grow to as large as 300.
Company representatives said they are working with the 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.
Mountain West Partnership Director Josh Carpenter added that introductory training for the factory would be conducted through Tri-County's Graham County Center.
At present time, there is a waiting list for applicants through NCWorks. The center can be reached at 828-837-7407.