WFR Building passes inspection

Another piece of the Window Fashions Resource puzzle was put into place last week when the building passed inspection. Halifax County Interim County Manager, Tony Brown told the Observer that the only items left to be approved are the alarm and sprinkler systems.  But there are other things that have to be resolved before the building can be transferred.  

The alarm and sprinkler systems require telephone service to be up and running, but that is not possible until the building transfer of ownership.  To overcome this minor obstacle the county will issue a conditional use permit. 

The Observer has learned that the new owners Lucynda and Don Yauger are anxious to take ownership of the building and start setting up for production.  If things continue to move as they have it should only be a few more weeks before transfer of the building. 

Littleton Mayor Mason Hawfield had hoped the building could be transferred within the next week, but according to Brown that will not be possible.  In a telephone interview on Tuesday, Brown told the Observer that tit could be two or three weeks before all the issues are settled and the building transferred. 

It has been three and one-half years from the announcement of a new business in Littleton.  On September 15, 2004 Governor Mike Easley personally made the announcement in front of state, county, and local officials gathered at the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center.

The former Rugged Sportswear 53,000 square foot building sitting on four acres of land on Highway 158 in Littleton has been completely renovated to the Yauger’s specifications.  Up until now $776,000 has been spent on transitioning the building for WFR. 

The Yaugers’ have big plans for the factory.  They will be manufacturing custom-made blinds, shutters, draperies, and window treatments.  The business involves an investment in the local area of over $1.5 million. 

The plans call for at least 85 jobs to be created in light manufacturing and assembly.  The jobs are expected to pay about $487 per week.

Littleton Mayor Mason Hawfield and Don Willis Littleton economic development coordinator have spent years trying to get the plant open.  In February of 2007 the Littleton Board of Commissioners approved an economic incentive package that included the town paying Halifax County $25,000 a year for two years and agreeing to allow the county to keep 75% of the ad valorem taxes paid by WFR for the next ten years. 

The project has been made possible through the efforts of the NC Department of Commerce, Halifax County and the Halifax County Economic Development Commission, Halifax County Business Horizons, the NC Northeast Partnership, the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, the town of Littleton, and the Littleton Economic Development Committee.

The state stepped up with an incentive program that makes Tier I counties like Halifax attractive to new businesses and industry.  The Golden Leaf Foundation provided a grant of $375,000 for building renovation.  Halifax County Business Horizons helped with a $25,000 assistance package.