Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Engineered Floors, LLC, a Dalton-based carpet maker, will invest $450 million and create 2,000 new jobs, with the potential for hundreds more, over the next five years in northwest Georgia. The company will construct new facilities in Whitfield and Murray counties.

"The story of Engineered Floors is the story of a Georgia-grown company's continued commitment to, and investment in, northwest Georgia," said Deal. "Georgia provides the business environment, workforce training and unparalleled logistics infrastructure to fuel growth for the floor-covering industry, which has been a cornerstone of the state's economy."

Engineered Floors will construct manufacturing and distribution facilities in Whitfield County, and a manufacturing facility in Murray County. The company is a driving force behind the resurgence of the carpet industry. Northwest Georgia is home to the company's corporate headquarters, two large manufacturing facilities, a tufting operation and a distribution center. The company currently employs 1,400 in the region.

"We are pleased that these new facilities will allow for further job creation for the area," said Robert E. Shaw, chairman and CEO of Engineered Floors, LLC. "The exemption of sales tax on energy in the manufacturing process that the legislature put in place under Gov. Deal's leadership during the 2012 legislative session makes a significant difference to manufacturers looking to grow and succeed."

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) partnered with Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority and Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce to manage this expansion. Carl Campbell, regional project manager at GDEcD, led the expansion project for the state. Georgia Quick Start, the nation's top-ranked workforce training program, will provide assistance to the company.