Asheville, NC – In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville – Buncombe County (EDC), Plasticard-Locktech International (PLI), the world’s largest keycard manufacturer, announced today the expansion of its Asheville plant with a $4.6 million investment in facilities and equipment. PLI will add 30,000 square feet of production space and 42 positions to its plant in Sweeten Creek Industrial Park. The firm currently employs 200 at the plant, which also serves as its headquarters.
Asheville, NC – In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville – Buncombe County (EDC), Plasticard-Locktech International (PLI), the world’s largest keycard manufacturer, announced today the expansion of its Asheville plant with a $4.6 million investment in facilities and equipment. PLI will add 30,000 square feet of production space and 42 positions to its plant in Sweeten Creek Industrial Park. The firm currently employs 200 at the plant, which also serves as its headquarters.
PLI is a genuine Western North Carolina success story. Originally founded in 1988 by a retiree, PLI has grown to supply hotel keycards across the globe and provide specialty printing of paper and plastic products. PLI has an extensive client list, including most major hotel chains as well as retailers, restaurants, attractions, fun centers, sports commissions and event planners. The company has distribution centers in the Netherlands and Hong Kong.
“As we’ve continued to invest around the world, we’re most excited to grow our hometown operations in Asheville,” said Mark Goldberg, President and CEO of PLI.
“We are truly honored by PLI’s commitment to grow jobs here in Buncombe County,” said David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “It is a powerful reminder of the unique and significant impact of manufacturing on our regional economy. We thank PLI management for their tremendous show of confidence, and pledge the full support of the County for their continued growth and viability in the years to come.”
“Our friends at PLI represent the very best of our County. It’s not often an organization is able to ascend from a basement office to become the world leader in its field in a mere 24 years. PLI provides high quality jobs, participates when community causes need a hand of support, and commits to leading edge efforts in sustainable production. We are grateful for their continued commitment to grow highly skilled, advanced manufacturing jobs here in Buncombe County,” said EDC Chairman K. Ray Bailey.
Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy noted, “While it is an honor for any organization to select Asheville as home, it is even more special when an industry leader serving the world claims Asheville as its start. I wish Mark Goldberg and the entire team at PLI continued success in growing your business.”
Goldberg credits the community and local workforce for the success. “For nearly 25 years, we continue to grow and thrive in the Asheville community, a credit to a skilled and caring workforce, which allows us to compete on a global scale.” PLI’s customer-centric model has fueled its growth. Products are made using state-of-the-art equipment in its current 65,000 square-foot facility. The organization has adopted the Six Sigma program for quality control, with a system of checks in place throughout production to ensure customers receive the best product possible. For more information on PLI and employment opportunities, please visit www.plicards.com.
The EDC for Asheville-Buncombe Countyis 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 Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a 2,000+ member organization representing 86,000 employees. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of increasing the region’s livability by advancing its economic vitality. The Asheville Chamber works diligently to ensure that Asheville continues to prosper while also protecting the natural beauty of the area. In 2006, the Chamber moved to a new location and is now home to the 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes 200,000 visitors per year.