RPM Wood Finishes Group to Make $25-Million Investment in Greensboro R&D Facility

RPM Wood Finishes Group to Make $25-Million Investment in Greensboro R&D Facility

Greensboro, N.C. – Greensboro and Guilford County have been selected as the location of the new, state-of-the-art RPM Wood Finishes Group Research, Development & Innovation Center of Excellence. The facility will occupy nearly 60,000 square feet of office and lab space at Thorndike Road creating roughly 53 new jobs paying an average wage of $70,000. The company plans to invest $25 million for this expansion. The RPM Wood Finishes Group is a division of the OEM Industrial Group.

“This multi-million-dollar investment confirms Greensboro is attracting top-notch companies,” said Mayor Nancy Vaughan. “This center of excellence is another major landmark as we continue to expand our research and development footprint.”

"The establishment of the RPM Wood Finishes Group Research, Development & Innovation Center of Excellence in Greensboro is a significant milestone in our growth plans," said Johnny Green, President of the OEM Industrial Group. “This expansion will provide additional R&D capacity for wood and powder coatings, liquid metals, and resources for resin and corrosion testing that will help meet our growth objectives."

"Greensboro and Guilford County's talented workforce will continue to attract growing companies," said President & CEO of the Greensboro Chamber Brent Christensen. "With access to more than 100,000 students regionally through our local universities, colleges and community college system, we plan to keep their talent pipeline full."

The Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, consisting of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and High Point Economic Development Corporation, worked together with the City of Greensboro, Guilford County, Guilford Technical Community College, the Guilford County Workforce Development Board, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, in securing OEM Industrial Group’s investment in Guilford County.

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About the Greensboro Chamber
The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the community serving more than 1,000 member businesses through programming designed to help them succeed and grow. A partner in the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, the Chamber also serves as Greensboro’s primary economic development organization, with special emphasis placed on community and entrepreneurial advancement through Action Greensboro and Launch Greensboro.

About RPM Wood Finishes Group
The RPM Wood Finishes Group consists of companies that provide specialized solutions that protect, repair and beautify wood products and furniture. Its businesses manufacture and market stains, finishes, and touch-up and repair products for leather and vinyl. Well-known brands include FinishWorks, Mohawk and Morrells Woodfinishes.

About OEM Industrial Group
The OEM Industrial Group encompasses a diverse range of products, including powder coatings and wood preservatives, as well as agricultural products designated for farm and forest use. Its companies include the RPM Wood Finishes Group, TCI Powder Coatings, Kop-Coat Protection Products, and Morrells Woodfinishes.