HUESKER inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of geosynthetics offers solutions and systems for Earthworks and Foundations, Roads and Pavements, Environmental Engineering is planning to make significant improvements at its the existing 50,000 square foot Shelby facility by constructing an additional 100,000 square feet, which will give them a total of 150,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehouse and office space.

Total project cost will include a new investment of approximately $8,500,000, which triple the size of the industrial and agricultural textile facility, purchase new machinery/equipment and allow for “a strong, lasting connection” to the community.

With this proposed expansion, HUESKER inc. projects to create approximately 20 new jobs, with average wages exceeding Cleveland County’s wage standard. The additional jobs will more than double the Shelby plant's work force of 15, said Kristin Reese, executive director of the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership.

Eddie Holbrook, a member of the Cleveland Board of County Commissioners, said that the expansion of a local manufacturer is a good way to improve the county’s economy. This is a way they can continue to build their tax base and provide jobs for the citizens.

The Huesker plant makes synthetic fabrics that help prevent erosion. The operation is at 1901 W. Dixon Blvd., on the west side of Shelby. Huesker also operates an office on the south side of Charlotte.

Huesker is a unit of Huesker Synthetic GmbH of Gescher, Germany. The parent company, founded in 1861, shifted its focus in the 1950s to construction, agricultural and industrial textiles and away from home textiles.

The company has subsidiaries in Great Britain, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Asia, the USA and Brazil. The majority of HUESKER products are certified by independent institutions such as the BBA (British Board of Agrément), BAM (German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing), DBAG (Deutsche Bahn AG), EBA (German Federal Railway Authority) or BAW (German Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute).