Baker, a designer and manufacturer of wood and upholstered furniture, will relocate its operating headquarters and open a distribution center in Catawba County. The move will create 70 new jobs and an investment of $12 million over the next three years. The company will receive a $76,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

In relocating its headquarters and distribution operations from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Hickory, all Baker U.S. manufacturing operations and the majority of its administration facilities will be located in North Carolina.

The new distribution center in Hickory will operate in addition to the company’s five existing facilities located in Hildebran, High Point and Mocksville. Baker is part of the Kohler Interiors Group, and is a subsidiary of Kohler Company. In addition to a competitive wage level, the company will provide a comprehensive benefits package to its employees.

"The state and people of North Carolina have been exceptionally welcoming to our business," said Kevin Ward, president of Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc., which includes Baker, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms, and Baker Stores. "The state has a skilled labor force that produces exquisitely designed and crafted Baker furniture. The close proximity of our operations to one another and to transport hubs and the marketplace has contributed significantly to our business success."

The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon a local match.

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