Published: October 26, 2009 12:11 pm      

Shaw sees big turnout for employment opportunities in Gordon County

Gordon County residents turned out in droves to apply for 25 general operating positions at Shaw on Thursday.

“We didn’t expect the turnout that we received, I guess that is a sign of the times,” said Human Resources Director over Manufacturing, Al Scruggs.

It has been more than a month since Shaw announced the creation of 200 new jobs and the retooling of the previously idled facility in Calhoun.

According to Scruggs the company will be hiring in cycles until the facility concludes the expansion sometime in mid-2010.

“At some point we will be bringing in a full 200 people, but that obviously is going to take some time,” Scruggs said.

While it will take months for these 200 positions to be filled, for the many unemployed Gordon Countians these jobs equal hope.

Paul Freeman applied for a job as a Heat Setter. Last year Freeman was laid off after spending two years working for Mohawk.

“I am looking for a better job with better pay and more hours,” Freeman said.

Freeman heard about the position through the Georgia Department of Labor.

“I’m hopeful,” he said.

Samantha Morales found herself in the same position after her job at Mohawk was cut last year.

“I am really hoping I get this job,” she said.