American Textile Company, a leading provider of innovative sleep solutions since 1925, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today at its Tifton, Ga. production and distribution facility. The ceremony kicked off an expansion that will bring its total space to over 400,000 square feet and double the workforce over the next five years.

Just three years after opening with 100 employees, American Textile Company is growing well ahead of plan at its Tifton operation. It is one of four U.S. plants for the company, in addition to operations in China and El Salvador. Tifton's strategic location 180 miles south of Atlantaprovides efficient access to key regional and national customers.

"Our expansion so soon after opening is fueled in part by consumer demand for our AllerEase® allergen barrier and EvenTemp™ temperature regulation bedding products, but also by the positive business climate we've seen in Tifton," said Lance Ruttenberg, president and CEO ofPennsylvania-based American Textile. "Access to a skilled workforce and strong county support were key factors in choosing to expand here," he added.

Attended by representatives from the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce, Tifton MayorJamie Cater, Jr. and County Commission Chairman Grady Thompson, the event celebrated the expansion scheduled for completion this spring.

"American Textile has been an outstanding partner in our community and we are excited about the news of their expansion," said Brian Marlowe, Chairman of the Tifton-Tift County Development Authority. "Whenever an existing industry decides to expand, it represents a commitment to our area and an acknowledgement that we're doing the right things here to promote growth and success."

Company CEO Lance Ruttenberg expressed his thanks to the Tift County and Chamber representatives who worked tirelessly to make the expansion possible. "Tifton has been an integral part of our growth but perhaps most importantly, we enjoy doing business here," said Ruttenberg. "Tifton is a southern home for us now. It's a great place to make investments that create jobs and contribute to the quality of life in the community. The hospitality, friendliness and charm complement the business dynamics."