High Point company expands to Asheboro, bringing 300 jobs

ASHEBORO — Environmental Air Systems, LLC (EAS), headquartered in High Point, has selected Asheboro as a site for a major expansion of its structural assembly operations. 

In making the announcement, the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation noted that the expansion supports the Specialized Volumetric Modular Industry, which serves key markets including pharmaceutical, data and semiconductor sectors. 

An RCEDC press release said that EAS delivers comprehensive infrastructure solutions by integrating mechanical, electrical and building automation system design. By combining design-assist services, offsite manufacturing and onsite construction, EAS ensures seamless project execution from concept through completion.

Driven by continued growth and increasing customer demand, EAS identified Asheboro as the ideal location due to its workforce availability, financial viability and strategic speed-to-market advantages. 

“Our EAS Leadership team is proud and honored to join the Asheboro community and support its families,” EAS Manufacturing President Allen Absher said. “We are looking forward to bringing industry back to a fantastic community that has lost several key industry partners over the past few years. Together, EAS and the Asheboro community will build a strong future.”

The company will lease the former Klaussner Furniture facilities at 4402 US Hwy 220 South in Asheboro, now owned by Schwarz Properties, and plans to invest at least $20 million in building renovations, and machinery and equipment. 

This expansion of their operations will create 300 new jobs paying average annual wages of $55,133.

Site selection and incentive negotiations were facilitated by Strategic Development Group (SDG) with the assistance of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC). EAS qualified for a comprehensive incentive package including: 

■ $3.289 million from a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG).

■ $500,000 from a Building Reuse Grant (Application Approval Pending).

■ $506,000 in local incentives over five years, split between $209,000 from Randolph County and $297,000 from the City of Asheboro.

Local incentives also cover the required 5% match for the Building Reuse Grant. 

“This project is another great example of the City of Asheboro working with our partners and the private sector to support job creation and encourage significant investment in Randolph County,” Asheboro Mayor David Smith said. “It is important to keep in mind that this project was not guaranteed to happen here; there were other jurisdictions that wanted to be making this announcement. But, due to our relationships, we were able to bring it and the benefits to our community.

“I am especially excited that the project revitalizes and modernizes an existing industrial property, making use of infrastructure that is already built and available. By doing so, we are balancing growth in a responsible and efficient manner that doesn’t lead to unplanned sprawl.” 

Randolph County Board of Commissioners Chairman Darrell Frye was equally supportive of the company’s arrival.

“EAS is a well-established company with a proven track record of success in our region,” he said. “Their significant financial investment and the creation of 300 high-quality jobs will strengthen our local economy and provide valuable opportunities for our residents. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.”