Tutco-Farnam announces $2.5M expansion and 90 new jobs

In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), Tutco-Farnam today announced the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Arden with a $2.5 million investment in facilities and equipment, which will accommodate the addition of 90 new positions in engineering, production and operations.  

Founded in Buncombe County in 1982 as Farnam Custom Products, the company currently employs approximately 50 individuals at its Arden manufacturing facility.  Tutco-Farnam is owned by Smiths Industries, which has a worldwide presence of over 23,000 employees. 

Tutco is the world’s largest producer of open heating elements, holding 80% of the patents in open coil heating technology.  Farnam Custom Products, an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, specializes in the design and manufacture of custom heating solutions for a broad range of industry applications.  Its design and development capability sets it apart from competitors and has secured steady growth for several years. 

“Farnam Custom Products is just a great company.  They engineer unique solutions for industry and then build the product right here.  I am so proud to see this facility expand and create new jobs for the citizens of Buncombe County,” said David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. 

Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy noted, “It is a true pleasure to celebrate the expansion of Farnam Custom Products in our community.  This company was born and raised here; these employees are our neighbors and friends.  We are delighted with their continued commitment to Asheville.”

“Tutco-Farnam’s growth of its business is impressive; they are clearly executing very well on behalf of their customers.  This is another great example of our community’s strength in advanced manufacturing and the tremendous opportunities in this sector.” said EDC Chairman Paul Szurek.  

For more information on Tutco-Farnam and employment opportunities, please visit http://www.farnam-custom.com.

RiverLink welcomes photos of the river and offer cash and prizes

Attention all shutterbugs! RiverLink is looking for photos of the French Broad and is offering $100 cash and other prizes in three categories to the winners.

The categories are:

• People using the river - action shots - faces please
• The river during the day in full sun
• The river at sunset or dawn

Priority will be given to photos that capture the energy and beauty of the river and the people who use it as well as the rivers  many moods throughout the day and night and seasons.

 They will give your photo caption credit if your photo is chosen and will exhibit the winning photos at the Warehouse Studios this fall.  Winning photos will also be featured on their website, their blog, "The River Whisperer," Facebook pages, and they will promote your work to thousands of their followers.

  

To enter your photographs: Send your images in high resolution PDF or TIFF format to information@riverlink.org with your name, address , phone, and category.

If you  prefer to use snail mail, they need all your contact information sent to RiverLink, PO Box 15488, Asheville, NC 28813-0488.  They will scan your photo and return it to you.

High resolution submissions will be received until September 1, 2013  in PDF or TIFF format.

For more information contact RiverLink at 828-252-8474, ext 11.

Priority will be given to photos that capture the energy and beauty of the river and the people who use it as well as the rivers  many moods throughout the day and night and seasons.

Asheville on Bikes hosts "Bicycle Rights Night" with attorney and cyclist Jones P. Byrd of The Van Winkle Law Firm

Asheville on Bikes (AoB), an advocacy group focused on advancing Asheville’s urban and commuter bicycle culture, is hosting “Bicycle Rights Night” on Thursday, June 27th at 7:00 p.m. at Clingman Cafe located at 242 Clingman Avenue in the River Arts District.

Asheville on Bikes works to expand bicycle infrastructure and culture throughout the city of Asheville. AoB’s programs include community rides, an after-school bicycle program, candidate forums and bicycle corrals at city events.

“Asheville on Bikes and the city are making real advancements in active transportation. As our transportation infrastructure changes, more people choose to ride bicycles so there needs to be education outreach to respond to shifts in transportation habits,” shares Mike Sule, Director of Asheville on Bikes. “We’re thrilled to be working with Jones Byrd and The Van Winkle Law Firm to improve bicycle safety.” 

Event Details:

Asheville on Bikes will be hosting a bike corral offering free bicycle parking in the Clingman Cafe parking lot. Participants are encouraged to ride or walk. Clingman Cafe and the bicycle corral open at 7:00 p.m.

Asheville City Councilman Gordon Smith will present a brief update on Asheville’s transportation issues before Byrd begins his presentation at 7:45 p.m.

Byrd’s presentation will cover everything on bicycle accidents, including how to properly file a police report, hiring a lawyer, a collision checklist from a legal perspective, examples from N.C. case law, and a look to the future of bicycle rights in N.C. There will be a Q&A following the presentation.

Byrd is an attorney with The Van Winkle Law Firm located in Asheville. Jones' broad trial practice focuses on civil litigation and dispute resolution. Most recently Jones secured several million dollars for the victim of a bicycle crash.

Quick Facts:

Bicycle Rights Night

Where: Clingman Cafe in the River Arts District, 242 Clingman Avenue, Asheville

When: Thursday, June 27th. Doors and corral open at 7

The event is free and open to the public. Clingman will be serving from their regular menu.