The year in review: More good news than bad on jobs front

Mark Sutter^[1]

Editor- The Business Journal

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.^[2]  | Twitter^[3]  | Facebook^[4]  | LinkedIn^[5]

Here’s a recap of some of the major jobs-related stories that The Business Journal reported on in 2013.

We’re happy to report that the “pluses” far outnumber the “minuses,” a sign that the Triad’s economy is gaining traction. That wasn’t the case last year when we did a similar article and there was almost an even split between pluses and minuses. We hope the momentum continues in 2014.

The list doesn’t include, by the way, some pretty major job gains announced in previous years that are still unfolding. Deere-Hitachi, for example, announced in Oct. 2012 it would expand its Kernersville operation and add 340 jobs. Work on that facility is ongoing.

January

PLUS — The new year starts out with good news: Advanced Home Care, a High Point-based home health products company, tells The Business Journal it has immediate plans to add 100 positions companywide — including 55 in the Triad — to keep up with growing demand.

MINUS —Energizer Holdings files notice it will lay off 80 to 100 employees across its facilities in Asheboro as part of a work force reduction plan to begin in March.

MINUS — A Henredon Furniture plant in Mount Airy will close, leaving more than 100 without jobs. The plant’s operations will be moved to a facility near Hickory.

February

PLUS — UnitedHealthcare^[6] says it will create 573 new jobs in North Carolina — with most of them located in and around Greensboro — to help support its growing business.

PLUS — Cleaning products manufacturer Awesome Products Inc. says it will open a manufacturing and distribution hub in Mount Airy, investing $22 million and creating up to 140 jobs over five years. (In August, owner Loksarang Dinkar “L.D.” Hardas pleaded guilty to several felony counts related to payroll and workers’ compensation. Local officials felt reassured after meeting with him that it was an isolated incident and the jobs would be protected.)

Mark Sutter is responsible for managing the staff and the production of print and online news products. Contact him at (336) 370-2895.

References

1. ^{^} Mark Sutter (feeds.bizjournals.com)
2. ^{^} This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (feeds.bizjournals.com)
3. ^{^} Twitter (twitter.com)
4. ^{^} Facebook (www.facebook.com)
5. ^{^} LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com)
6. ^{^} UnitedHealthcare (www.bizjournals.com)