In a significant move for local employment and manufacturing, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Lithuanian furniture giant, SBA Home, will set up its first North American production facility in Davie County, North Carolina. The transition into the U.S. market will see the company investing over $70 million and creating 250 new jobs in the Town of Mocksville, according to Governor Cooper’s news release.
"With more than 800 furniture companies, North Carolina’s reputation as the furniture capital of the world attracts growing manufacturers that need a world class workforce to meet the demand of their global customers,” Governor Cooper stated. The 500,000-square-foot facility is expected to bolster the local economy, bringing a range of manufacturing, warehousing, administrative, and managerial positions to the area, with the potential payroll impact estimated to exceed $13.3 million annually for the region. Jurgita Radzevičė, CEO of SBA Home, expressed enthusiasm about the move, highlighting the state's significant business opportunities and the anticipated positive impact on the Davie County community.
The project marks a major economic development win for North Carolina, bolstering not only the local economy but also the international partnership between Lithuania and the United States. "We are excited to launch our journey in the United States, starting in North Carolina—a state renowned for its dynamic business environment and exceptional opportunities for globally growing companies,” Radzevičė told in an official statement included in Governor Cooper's news release.
Support for this venture comes in part from a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), approved by the state's Economic Investment Committee. Over a 12-year term, the JDIG agreement authorizes reimbursement to the company of up to $1,421,250, after meeting job creation and investment targets. These strategic incentives reflect the state's commitment to fostering business growth and employment, with the NC Governor’s Office projecting a 51 percent return on investment of public dollars. Additionally, because of the choice of Davie County for the site, a portion of the JDIG funds, amounting to $473,375, will be channeled into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account to enhance infrastructure in more rural areas.
The collaboration underscores North Carolina's ongoing efforts to position itself as a prime location for international business. N.C. Senator Steve Jarvis welcomed the news, saying the company will join the ranks of the region’s esteemed furniture makers that benefit from a strong supply chain. The infrastructure and logistical advantages of the location were also underscored by N.C. Representative Julia C. Howard who highlighted the region's transportation system and central East Coast location as significant benefits for SBA Home's expansion.
Multiple entities, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and local institutions like the North Carolina General Assembly, Davidson-Davie Community College, and the Town of Mocksville, played roles in facilitating this international engagement. Their collective efforts align with Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders' vision of a North Carolina that continues to lead in talent and innovation while welcoming industry game-changers into its business community. The project is a step forward in creating an economy that serves all North Carolinians.
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