Rutherford County is gearing up for an economic boost as Governor Josh Stein announced that TMG & Haartz Solutions LLC, a supplier for the auto industry, plans to create 125 jobs with a $51 million investment over five years. Focusing on synthetic leather materials for vehicles, the venture will benefit from North Carolina's strong supplier network. Governor Stein noted that the state’s “workforce training programs can help supply the skilled craftspeople they need,” according to an official press release from the Governor's Office.
The joint venture combines the expertise of two family-owned entities, The Haartz Corporation, and TMG Automotive; both have a storied legacy of providing materials to automotive giants such as Mercedes Benz and Ford, and with this move, they bring a promise of skill and craftsmanship to the region’s economy, the project promises more than just an injection of jobs but a likely increase in the state’s economic output by an estimated $352.59 million, touching upon North Carolina's well-recognized manufacturing prowess, helping put the state in the spotlight as a prime destination for industrial growth.
Bringing innovation right to Bostic’s doorstep, TMG Haartz Solutions aims to cater to a modern automotive world, supplying materials such as seat covers and instrument panels; Isabel Furtado, a board member from TMG Group, emphasized the partnership’s foundation on “trust, respect, and shared purpose,” a sentiment echoed by CEO Eric Haartz, who mentioned how the partnership has evolved into “a deep bond between our families,” highlighting the personal ethos driving the venture, as both leaders shared in statements obtained by the official press release from the Governor's Office.
The average salary of these new roles is projected at $64,218, a notable step up from Rutherford County’s current average of $46,673, showing that the opportunities created by this project are not just numerous but offer advancements in terms of compensation, moreover, the state has offered the company a JDIG grant that could amount up to $1,463,000 across 12 years, incentives such as this underline North Carolina’s commitment to nurturing growth and ensuring a beneficial return on these public-private partnerships, resulting in positive gains for the state treasury even after the grant’s reimbursement payments.
Local leaders have welcomed the move, with Senator Tim Moffitt noting the community’s readiness to support new businesses and Representative Paul Scott acknowledging the work of various groups in bringing TMG Haartz Solutions to the fore. With the partnership of various state departments and educational institutions, this announcement marks another high point in Governor Stein’s term, as since the start of the year, North Carolina has earmarked more than $16.3 billion for business expansions and new projects aimed at creating over 18,000 jobs, according to the Governor's Office.
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