Production at the Andalusia Shaw plant has increased enough to bring an estimated 300 employees back to full time and resume the company’s hiring process by January.

Cary Baker, director of operations, addressed members of the Andalusia Lions Club Wednesday and credited changes to the plant’s production load with the need for additional employees.

Shaw Industries Group Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer and a leading floor covering provider. Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., the company manufactures and distributes carpeting, rugs, hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile for residential and commercial applications worldwide. In Andalusia, more than 1,200 are employed with the company.

In the past, the company had to adjust schedules based on projected need for fiber production. But, Baker said previously that as economic conditions improve, Shaw will be “well positioned to service the product demand based on styling and economic demands.”

“Andalusia will continue to be a major element of Shaw’s overall extrusion and twisting/heatset operating strategy,” he said. “There’s been rumors that (the plant) is closing, and that’s not true. Our plant is a solid plant, but the economy hit us just like it hit everyone else.”

He said during the summer, an estimated 300 employees per week were placed on reduced hours.

“Now we’ve reduced that to about 100, and we’re continuing to get those back to full schedule,” he said Wednesday. “We’re continuing with new improvements and new products.

“And I’m happy to report that we’ll resume our normal hiring process in January – or maybe earlier – to help with the increased load,” he said. Baker said the increased production load will continue through November, December and into January.

While no official number of new hires could be given, Baker did say that the employees will be used to fill vacancies left through attrition.

Those interested in applying for a job at Shaw should visit the Alabama Career Center on the LBW Community College campus or apply online at joblinks.alabama.gov.