HOF TEXTILES MAKES INVESTMENT IN LINCOLN
Investment creates skilled operator, maintenance jobs

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLN COUNTY -- Hof Textiles, the leading supplier of nonwovens for automotive engine compartment components, recently announced a $3 million investment in additional production capacity and new technology.

Hof Textiles is the leading supplier of nonwovens for automotive engine compartment components. Nonwovens from Lincolnton are used in nearly all automotive brands produced in the US. Engine compartment components utilizing HOF's Nonwovens provide effective noise reduction for a wide frequency range, superior appearance and excellent performance increasing the driving comfort for cars of all brands.

The company hopes the investments will increase the value of HOF's Nonwovens produced in Lincolnton for customers and the North American automotive industry.


"The investment will continue to support our double digit sales growth and create additional attractive jobs for highly skilled operators and maintenance personnel," said Hof president and CEO Lothar Hackler.


Lincoln Economic Development Association board chairman Pete Acker said the investment announcement is good news in a worsening economy.

"Hof's equipment expansion is a great example of how Lincoln County industries continue to thrive. We are excited to see this type of growth and employment opportunity within our community," said Acker.

Company officials say the new machinery should be up and running in April 2009 and will initially create six jobs.