SARAH LOWERY
Staff Writer
RSI Home Products celebrated its latest expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Lincoln Economic Development Association on Friday.
The California-based company, which located in Lincolnton 15 years ago, recently completed a 225,000-square-foot addition, bringing its overall total space to more than 1 million square feet.
This was RSI’s second expansion in less than a decade to its facility in the Lincoln County Industrial Park, and its completion has allowed for the consolidation of manufacturing and distribution operations under one roof, thereby eliminating the movement of product between two buildings.
When receiving incentives from the county for the upgrades, RSI promised to create at least 25 new jobs within two years in conjunction with an investment of roughly $8 million.
Robert Hunter, vice president of manufacturing for RSI on the East Coast, said the addition was full within four days of opening. He also touched on the growth the company has experienced since coming to the area, referencing the multiple expansions the company has undergone.
“We’re gonna stop for now,” he said.
Assistant County Manager Martha Lide described RSI as having been an “incredibly great corporate citizen” over the years. She and other local leaders in attendance for the dedication thanked the company for its continued growth, job creation and steady tax base.
“It’s a great day in the neighborhood,” LEDA Chairman Bo King said.
He additionally noted the importance of the “three-ship” principle — friendships, partnerships and relationships — within any industry.
RSI, a manufacturer of bath cabinetry and countertops, sells primarily to the home-center industry. The company, in a strategic move, purchased Lincolnton-based General Marble in 1998 and assumed its existing operations.
Since then, the company, which leases its space from developer The Keith Corporation of Charlotte, has grown into the largest manufacturing employer in Lincoln County, with more than 800 employees.
Choate Construction served as the general contractor for the newest expansion, with Merriman-Schmitt having acted as the project architect.