Italian woodworking company to open first U.S. facility in Hickory

An Italian woodworking company called Minelli Group will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Hickory. The move will create 12 new jobs right away.

The company just bought a 18,000 square-foot building at 1245 26th Street SE, according to a statement Wednesday. The local operations will be called Minelli USA.

Minelli will transfer existing U.S. business from Italy to the Hickory plant, and then grow its product offerings in the United States there, the company said.

Minelli specializes in making specialty wood products for various markets including tools, packaging, eyewear, stationary, homeware, wellness and toys. It operates four other facilities in Europe.

The first phase of hiring will begin in early September, the company said.

Those interested in applying for jobs at the manufacturing site can contact the Catawba County office of the NC Works Career Center at 828-466-5535. It’s at 403 Conover Station SE, Conover, NC 28613.

“(Our customers) have become more vocal in recent years – ‘come here and be part of our efforts to be a ‘Made in the USA’ product,’” said Marco Minelli, who heads the company. “After years of planning, this facility is a response to our loyal customers.”

This story was originally published August 17, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Italian woodworking company to open first U.S. facility in Hickory."