Crossley to Carpet Trains and Planes

An investment by the province of Nova Scotia in a planned $4.5- million expansion by Crossley Carpet Mills in Truro will help the firm diversify and bring another 57 full-time jobs to the area.

Justice Minister Jamie Muir and Crossley president and CEO, Gordon Laing, made the announcement today, May 6.

The expansion will see the Truro plant become a supplier to the specialized transportation sector, providing carpets for trains and planes, while solidifying its position as a product leader in the corporate and education markets.

The province's $700,000 investment through the Industrial Expansion Fund gave the Truro location the competitive edge it needed to outbid proposals from California, Georgia and China.

"This new business line will employ 57 people full-time, bringing $2.3 million in wages to the area," said Mr. Muir, on behalf of Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke. "These additional jobs will reinforce Truro's reputation as one of the top 20 investment destinations in the world."

Crossley Carpet Mills is owned by Collins and Aikman Floorcoverings Inc., a U.S. manufacturer located in Dalton, Ga., with locations in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

"This project further emphasizes Collins and Aikman's commitment to Crossley and Truro," said Mr. Laing. "This capital investment from Collins and Aikman will exceed $4.5 million during the three phases of the project."

The plant employs about 360 people in the Truro area, with an annual payroll of $13.6 million. The long-time Truro employer is celebrating its 40th year in the area.

Since the province released its first economic growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity, in the fall of 2000 more than 19,000 jobs have been created in Nova Scotia.