Automobile Interiors Manufacturer Picks North Carolina for $51M Expansion, Promises 125 Jobs
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, NC — A global manufacturer of synthetic leather for automobile interiors has chosen North Carolina over other competing states for its next major expansion — a $51 million investment that promises to create 125 jobs over the next five years.
The joint venture between TMG and Haartz Solutions LLC will build a new factory in Bostic, a small community in Rutherford County, on the site of a former Milliken plant.
Why North Carolina Won the Bid
The state sealed the deal with a $1.46 million Job Development Investment Grant, which will be paid out over 12 years if job targets are met. The state confirmed that competitors like Massachusetts and Georgia were also under consideration, but North Carolina ultimately stood out thanks to lower land costs and a strong infrastructure.
The new facility will manufacture synthetic leather used by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, Ford, GM, and Toyota, according to officials. The project was first reported by The Center Square, highlighting the deal’s economic development significance.
TMG, founded in Portugal in 1937, and Haartz, headquartered in Massachusetts with global operations, said the expansion reflects their shared vision for the future of mobility.
“The relationship between the Gonçalves and Haartz families is more than a business alliance – it is a story of mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision,” said Isabel Furtado, CEO of TMG Automotive.
Job Impact in a County That Needs It
Rutherford County has a population of approximately 65,500 and a median household income of $47,557 — significantly below the state median of $77,719, according to the U.S. Census. The incoming factory is expected to bring average annual salaries of $64,218, which state officials say could help uplift the area’s economic outlook.
However, some economists caution that average wage estimates can be misleading, especially when executive-level salaries are included. Still, officials are optimistic that the plant will create long-term employment and skill-building opportunities.
Bostic Plant Not the Only Win for North Carolina
On the same day, the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee also approved $11.2 million in grants for a potential $264 million AI hardware facility in Salisbury by Jabil, a Fortune 500 tech company based in Florida. That project is expected to bring over 1,180 jobs, further positioning North Carolina as a destination for high-tech and manufacturing industries.
Do you believe rural communities like Rutherford County will benefit from these investments long-term? Share your thoughts in the comments below at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
