Mitchell County Manufacturer to Expand
Buck Stove Corporation of Spruce Pine, NC announces that it will expand its operations at the current location with 30-50 new jobs over the next 3 years and invest upwards of one million dollars in the current facility. Ms. Claudia Bailey Honeycutt, Director of Sales and Marketing made the announcement at the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission March meeting.
The Spruce Pine manufacturer has shifted its strategy from working with businesses to having a presence directly with the customer, such as through trade shows. Honeycutt said the relationships they’ve built using the new focus has resulted increased sales and driven the demand for expanding the work force.
Buck Stove has made an agreement with North Carolina artist Bob Timberlake and his retail brand of outdoor living products. In collaboration with Greensboro granite recycling company Earthstone, Buck Stove is also providing the steel components for outdoor granite fire pits and other outdoor living accessories under the Bob Timberland brand.
“Through that relationship we’ve not just been able tap into the Bob Timberlake organization,” said Honeycutt. “But it has just opened crazy doors for us.”
Buck Stove has also expanded its line to pellet stoves after signing an agreement with St. Croix Pellet Stoves to produce the stoves under the Nebraska company’s name.
Honeycutt said St. Croix closed down their pellet stove plants in Waco, Nebraska and have moved all of their operations to Mitchell County.
“Bringing those job opportunities into Mitchell County has been great,” said Honeycutt. “That’s going to allow us to continuing to hire folks, we’ve already been able to hire new people because of that.”
Honeycutt said they expect to add 30-50 sustainable jobs over the course of a three year period.
In addition to the relationships with Bob Timberlake and St. Croix, the company has been able to get contracts with several national brands including providing hardware for Disney World attractions and the Panera Bread restaurant chain and Bass Pro Shops.
EDC Director Bill Slagle stated that Buck Stove is a company that started forty three years ago in Spruce Pine and they have a passion for wanting to work local people. They are part of the backbone of advanced manufacturing for our county. We applaud their dedication and commitment to their employees. The companies doing business with Buck Stove are realizing how important products made in America are to consumers.
EDC Chairman Joe Street stated that it is this type of sustainable growth that will help local skilled workers earn a great hourly wage and increase their overall income. The management, staff and employees are a great group of people.
Press release provided by the Mitchell County EDC
