Expansion Management

Mattex Opens Manufacturing Facility in Georgia -- First Outside of Middle East

May 8, 2013

Company setting up shop to serve North American base.

Investing $60 million and creating 200 jobs over the next three years, Mattex Group, a Dubai and Saudi Arabian carpet backings producer, will expand its operations in Georgia by building an extrusion manufacturing plant.

This is the company’s first manufacturing facility outside the Middle East.

“Mattex’s expansion speaks to the continued revitalization of the floor covering industry in northwest Georgia,” said Gov. Nathan Deal Deal. “Georgia’s rich history in the industry, skilled talent and workforce training foster the ideal business environment for companies in this industry to succeed.”

Headquartered in Dubai, Mattex Group is a leading provider for polyolefin-based textiles, developing and producing primary and secondary carpet backings, artificial grass backings, and woven and nonwoven geotextiles. The company has four production facilities in the Middle East.

"Our mission to be the ‘preferred global partner of choice’ led us to build a state-of-the-art carpet-backing facility in North Georgia as the next logical step for better servicing our current customer base,” said Luc Blommaert, CEO of Mattex Group.

The manufacturing plant is anticipated to be between 275,000 and 375,000 square feet and will be operational in 2014.

“This plant is a first step. We can truly say Mattex Group is coming to America!” said Barclay Payne, general manager of Mattex USA. “This milestone would never have happened without the support of our North American customer base. We are truly thankful for their support.”

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.