ARTICLE
Date	ArticleType
10/11/2005	Economic Development
Ultra Machine & Fabrication Expands into Cleveland County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2005 Ultra Machine and Fabrication, Inc. Expands into Cleveland County Company Anticipates a $1.5 Million Investment and Will Employ Up To 35 People (Kings Mountain, NC) – A 16-year-old manufacturing company is celebrating its relocation to Kings Mountain this week as they begin the move into their new facility today. Ultra Machine and Fabrication, Inc. (UM&F), owned by Frank and Michele Stewart of Gastonia, has a new home at 709 Broadview Street in Kings Mountain, and their connection to the community may be even more significant to families and friends of those recently deployed from the local National Guard to Iraq. “Over the last two years we have diversified our business and have entered into a new market as a sub-contractor for the U.S. military,” says UM&F President Frank Stewart. “Many of the products that we are now producing are made of Armor Plate and are assembled in vehicles that are shipped directly to Iraq and Afghanistan. It is wonderful to know that the very vehicles we help make are being used to protect young men and women from this area, as well as others around the country, who are currently serving in the war.” Kings Mountain Mayor Rick Murphrey is pleased the company has enjoyed such success and is thrilled they are providing much-needed jobs in the community. “Ultra Machine & Fabrication, Inc. is an excellent corporate citizen and it has been a pleasure working with Mr. Stewart to help him position his company for expansion and continued success,” said Mayor Murphrey. “At this time in our community with our National Guard 505th Division serving in Iraq, we are very proud to have UM&F manufacturing the products that keep our men and women in uniform safer as they risk their lives to defend our freedom.” The company was established in 1989 to meet a huge demand for precision machined and fabricated parts. Over the years, UM&F has serviced many industries in the southeast, including electronic, fiber glass, textile, tobacco, rubber, and most recently, military vehicle components. According to Stewart, over the past few years the company’s employment has grown to 25 and they expect to hire 10 more people over the next six months to a year. Initially located in Gaston County, Stewart credits the Mayor of Kings Mountain, city officials, and Cleveland County officials with helping make the decision to move to Kings Mountain an easy one. John Barker, Sr. of John Barker Realty worked with the Stewarts in order to help them locate the best building available to meet their growing needs. “It is always gratifying when a great facility is available for a tremendous company like UM&F,” said Barker. “This was a unified effort and the win for Cleveland County demonstrates the power of team collaboration.” Stewart appreciates his commitment and dedication to the project. “From the time my wife and I met John Barker, we knew that he would find the perfect place for us,” said Stewart. “He understood our vision for our company and after an extensive search in several counties we settled on this beautiful facility in Kings Mountain. His hard work and commitment to us and to our company will always be remembered.” The Cleveland 20/20 Economic Development Partnership was also instrumental in making this industry expansion a success. The company will qualify for local industry incentive grants based upon their investment in the community. Adelaide Craver, Cleveland 20/20 Chairwoman, believes that this company is an excellent example of the type of industry the county has worked so hard to attract. “The establishment of Ultra Machine & Fabrication in Cleveland County will lead to a much healthier economic environment for existing businesses,” says Craver. “We know that Frank is committed to building long-term relationships with both customers and vendors and that he will do everything he can to support this community. In turn, we will do everything in our power to assist his company in whatever endeavors they undertake.” Cleveland County Commissioner and Cleveland 20/20 Board Member Willie McIntosh agrees. “Cleveland County is fortunate to establish a relationship with a company of this caliber,” says McIntosh. “We wish Ultra Machine & Fabrication, Inc. much success in their investment in Cleveland County.” Owner Frank Stewart believes in providing excellent service, innovation, and value to customers. “UM&F is always updating our manufacturing equipment and software to keep up the rapid pace of technological advances,” he says. “We never have and never will settle for the status-quo, because we push to be the best in our industry.” For more information about Ultra Machine & Fabrication, Inc., visit the company web site at www.umf1.com. ###