- Gat Creek, a solid wood furniture manufacturer, completes a $10 million plant expansion in West Virginia, doubling its capacity and adding jobs.
- The expansion includes a 40% increase in manufacturing space, new machinery, and technology investments, such as faster optimizing saws and a dust collection system.
- Gat Creek’s commitment to American-made furniture, accountability, and focus on craftsmanship are highlighted as key factors contributing in the expansion.
BERKELEY SPRINGS, W. Va. – Fueled by a steadfast belief in American-made solid wood furniture, manufacturer Gat Creek has completed its plant expansion in West Virginia, doubling its capacity and adding jobs.
First announced in early 2022, the $10 million expansion includes a 40% increase in manufacturing space – bringing the facility from 100,000 square feet to 140,000 – as well as investments in new machinery and technology.
“When I bought the company 30 years ago and determined to build 100% in America, folks in the industry looked at me as though I was crazy,” said Gat Caperton, CEO. “Today, people have rediscovered an appreciation for American manufacturing and what makes us different and better.”
The main difference is accountability, according to Caperton. “When you live and work in the same place you are accountable for what you do. You are responsible for doing what’s right for the environment, what’s right for the consumer, and what’s right for employees because we look them in the eye every day. Someone across the world isn’t accountable for any of that.”
New technology includes optimizing saws that are four times faster, says Caperton, helping the company improve lumber yield. Other new arrivals include more CNC equipment, a second finishing line and a new dust collection system.
The goal was to cut out the repetitive, mindless work for employees, helping them focus on the art and beauty of their furniture.
“Customers, dealers, and designers will see more choices and even faster delivery, employees have a clean, safe modern place to work and the region will benefit from the growth,” Caperton said. “It takes a lot of capital to build furniture in America, but we can be competitive thanks to the technology. Maybe it’s impossible to get back to where this industry once was, but it sure feels nice that the pendulum is swinging back.”
Around 65 jobs will be added thanks to the expansion, with 15 being added already. The company’s total headcount will reach around 215.
With around $30 million in annual sales, Gat Creek offers more than 240 furniture designs made-to-order in four wood species, 64 finishes and several hardware options. Every piece is personally signed and dated by its builder.
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