Rinehart Racing, a world leader in performance exhaust systems for Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles, has announced the acquisition of a 60-acre industrial complex facility and campus from BorgWarner Thermal Systems in Fletcher.
The investment is set to bring dozens of new jobs to the area. Job creation will focus on positions in production, logistics, operations, engineering, customer service and management.
Rinehart Racing’s subsidiary company, Centurion Capital Investments, LLC, purchased the property from the Michigan-based company and will consolidate its current two campuses located in the greater Asheville area, according to a news release from the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development.
The acquisition of the industrial facility will "ensure that the legacy of the building’s automotive manufacturing history will continue as it will now be owned and operated by a privately-owned local company, whose roots run within western North Carolina, and the NASCAR and Harley-Davidson industries," according HCPED.
“I am proud to be a native of Western North Carolina, and I’m also proud to support American manufacturing right here in Fletcher and Henderson County as we invest in this community for long-term growth," said owner and CEO Judd Hollifield. "Our company is committed to our new community and we feel confident that Henderson County is a valued and strategic place to headquarter our business, as well as subsidiary businesses for long term competitive growth.”
The move comes as a result of BorgWarner’s announcement that it is consolidating operations between the Fletcher and Arden campuses and relocating a portion of the Fletcher operations into the Arden facility.
Acquiring the industrial complex will provide Rinehart with a larger footprint for its operations and will reportedly open the door to sustainable growth, along with strategic investment into the local economy through significant job creation and industrial opportunities for other local manufacturing and fabrication companies, according to Hollifield.
“Investments will be focused on adding new technologies, integrating new machinery, and creating dozens of new jobs for the community, as well as providing a platform for additional work for other local small businesses,” Hollifield said.
Newly available positions will be in engineering, assembly, manufacturing and administration. Hiring will begin immediately, and interested candidates can apply by emailing resumes to
“Rinehart’s relocation to Henderson County is a win for the community. Keeping a local company local means our friends and neighbors can retain employment in the region. A manufacturing building will continue to manufacture products in our community, a benefit to all citizens,” said Nathan Kennedy, HCPED Chair of the Board.
The company’s roots are embedded in the area from its beginnings in 1995 by Gerald Rinehart, a local welder who began welding exhaust collectors for NASCAR legend Dave Marcis, and then later for Richard Childress, along with countless other NASCAR and IndyCar greats, the HCPED news release said.
“Mr. Rinehart was a pioneer and the picture of an American dream in the NASCAR industry as well as the Harley-Davidson world, and we want to honor his legacy by continuing to give local individuals opportunities to develop their trade and craftsmanship in order to strengthen themselves, as well as the community. While most burgeoning companies inevitably turn to off-shore outsourcing and overseas production, we’ve stood stalwart on the foundational principle that we are committed to local jobs, and ensuring that our products continue to be made in the USA,” said Hollifield.
