Asheville, N.C. – In cooperation with the Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County, Transportation Safety Apparel, a Hilton Head, S.C. based company, announced they will bring 25 jobs to Buncombe County. The multimillion-dollar safety apparel company is opening a 10,000 square foot distribution center in Weaverville in June 2014 and plans to gradually consolidate its operations there by 2017.
Asheville, N.C. – In cooperation with the Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County, Transportation Safety Apparel, a Hilton Head, S.C. based company, announced they will bring 25 jobs to Buncombe County. The multimillion-dollar safety apparel company is opening a 10,000 square foot distribution center in Weaverville in June 2014 and plans to gradually consolidate its operations there by 2017.
The family-owned business, which John and Beverly Trimble started in a spare bedroom 10 years ago, has grown to service national clients including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Waste Management, as well as local and regional clients like Charter Communications, Buncombe County Fire Departments, Landmark Aviation and Asheville Regional Airport. Transportation Safety Apparel currently ships its high-visibility vests, reflective neon jackets, steel-toed boots and other safety gear to businesses around the world.
The Trimble’s oldest son, Trey, a recent graduate of Clemson University with an IT Engineering degree, is planning to join the family operation in the Asheville area to assist with the company’s relocation.
“Our family has had our eye on this area for a long time. We’re excited to be investing here for the next generation. Asheville offers what few other locations do, so we no longer have to choose between a great lifestyle and running a world-class company. You can have both in Asheville,” said John Trimble, President of Transportation Safety Apparel.
An overwhelming 96 percent of establishments in the Asheville Metro area have fewer than 50 employees, which reinforces why small businesses and entrepreneurship are essential to growing and maintaining the region’s economy.
“Buncombe County is a magnet for successful companies driven by families like the Trimbles. Transportation Safety Apparel joins a large community of hard working, talented families that make our county a great place to live and grow your business,” said David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
“We are pleased to welcome to Weaverville new corporate citizens like Transportation Safety Apparel, whose quality products are helping to keep employees safer across the country,” said Dottie Sherrill, Mayor of Weaverville.
“The Trimbles exemplify the many resourceful and creative family-owned enterprises drawn to Asheville for our quality of life and ease of doing business, as well as the excellent talent pool produced by our great local schools, colleges and universities,” said EDC Chairman Paul Szurek.
For more information on Transportation Safety Apparel or employment opportunities at their new Weaverville location, visit www.tsasafety.com.
The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurship, research, and marketing and recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Town of Weaverville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign. Visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,800 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to a 4,000 square foot Visitor Center that welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year. To get active in the Chamber, visit www.ashevillechamber.org.