It's only three weeks into 2002, and there is good economic news for Covington County.

Shaw Industries Inc. has announced plans for a $6 million capital improvement project at its yarn-extrusion facility in Andalusia.

The project, which is projected for completion in June, will create more than 120 new jobs.

"The equipment already has been ordered and work should start in March," said Cary Baker, director of operations.

Baker said the project will add more new jobs on top of the 40 that are being created with the installation of equipment that is presently under way at the facility.

The equipment being installed for the latest project will significantly increase the plant's yarn processing capacity.

"We're proud to start the new year with such positive news for the plant for our community," Baker said. "Shaw's willingness to continue investing in this facility speaks volumes about our employees, their overall job performance and the confidence they generate."

Shaw has invested in modern equipment and new technology throughout its history, and the strategy has been particularly evident in Andalusia. With the completion of the latest project, Shaw's capital investment at the plant will total more than $22 million in the past two-and-a-half years alone.

Shaw has more than 100 manufacturing plants and distribution centers and produces more than 600 million square yards of carpet per year. The Andalusia plant, which is Shaw's largest, extrudes pre-dyed yarn and processes nylon yarn extruded at other Shaw facilities for use in the manufacturing of Shaw carpet.

The Andalusia plant employs about 1,685 people.

Shaw Industries Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is the world's largest manufacturer of tufted broadloom carpet. Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., Shaw sells carpeting and rugs for residential and commercial applications throughout the United States and exports to most markets worldwide.

Its residential products are marketed under such brand names as Cabin Crafts, Couture by Sutton, TrustMark, Tuftex and Shaw Rugs.

Shaw markets it commercial products under the names Shaw Contract, Designware, Patcraft and Queen Commercial.

Through its network of commercial dealers known as Spectra, Shaw sells flooring products and provides project management services. Shaw also offers hard surface flooring through brands Shaw Ceramics, Shaw Laminates and Shaw Hardwoods.