FLORENCE – Tarkett is ready to expand their already existing production line on Church Road in the Florence Industrial Park. In an announcement at this week’s meeting of the Shoals Economic Development Agency, a spokesperson for Tarkett said the company decided they will be relocating the VCT line from Houston Texas, to Florence.
Tarkett produces both residential and commercial tile which includes; VET (vinyl enhanced tile), SVT (solid vinyl tile), and LVT (luxury vinyl tile). Their Houston facility produces VCT (vinyl composition tile). Poole told the assembly, “From a business standpoint it makes sense for VCT to be produced here as well. We are relocating the VCT line from Houston to Florence. The VCT line will be housed in our current warehouse.”
Tarkett Special Projects Coordinator Derrica Poole explains the company’s expansion plans to SEDA Board.
This topic was brought up at the Shoals Economic Development Authority meeting to help quell rumors that the Florence plant may close down before they are able to complete their operation. In the meeting with SEDA, the company requested $250,000 to help offset the costs of the new construction.
The SEDA board will recommend approval of the company’s request to the Shoals Industrial Development Committee, made up of area elected officials, which will release the money. SEDA Executive Director Forrest Wright explained that the money will not be available until certain stipulations have been met, namely having completed the expansion project as was outlined. Some of the expected performance guideposts include the hiring of an additional 150 workers and completing the $30 million investment.
Don Jones – Tarkett Production Management
According to Poole, for the time being the Houston plant will remain fully operational until the production line is completed.
The process has already begun and will be in full operation in the 2nd quarter of 2014. Once it is in full operation, this facility will be able to provide approximately 170 new jobs will be added to the already 175 jobs already provided by the company.
