The largest alkaline battery manufacturer in the world is headquartered in Asheboro, and has been here for more than 60 years.

Energizer Battery has three facilities in Asheboro and employs more than 700 full-time workers, and also hires part-time employees to help the company during its busier times of the year.

“Energizer is the kind of company that continues to reinvest in machinery and the latest high-tech equipment, ensuring that it will remain an industrial leader in our community for years to come,” says Bonnie Renfro, president of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation. “Their employees are also heavily involved in leadership roles throughout Randolph County, serving many organizations.”

The battery-manufacturing giant underwent an expansion not long ago in Asheboro, adding both property space and equipment. Renfro says the local county and city governments, the chamber and the economic development corporation do whatever they can to support Energizer.

“The company has also been a consistent supporter of the training programs provided by Randolph Community College,” she says. “RCC customizes many programs to help train and retrain the company’s new hires and incumbent workers.”

Danny Mull, Energizer Battery spokesperson, says there are many reasons why Asheboro is a great place to do business.

"Excellent interstate traffic access, easy port and rail access, quick distribution access to the major population centers of the Eastern Seaboard, and the availability of skilled and qualified labor are certainly advantages of locating in the Asheboro area," he says.

Mmm, Malt-O-Meal

Up until three years ago, Energizer was the No. 1 taxpayer in Asheboro and Randolph County. Now, Energizer is the second-largest taxpayer, behind Malt-O-Meal Company.

“Minneapolis-based Malt-O-Meal established a manufacturing facility and began making cereal in Asheboro in 2009," Renfro says. "Then in the fall of 2010, they already announced a major expansion to add cereal lines, buildings and a new warehouse. Once this latest overall expansion is complete, Malt-O-Meal will have invested more than $250 million in Asheboro, and will employ more than 250 people.”

The Malt-O-Meal facility in Asheboro produces cereal and oatmeal in bag form, and sells the products in supermarkets across the United States.

“It's the best instant oatmeal I've ever tasted,” Renfro says. “It is outstanding.”

Spanx, Bearings and Tires

Meanwhile, Asheboro has other large companies that contribute to the city’s industrial presence and manufacturing footprint. Acme-McCrary Corporation produces Spanx garments and undergarments for women, while Timken Company makes tapered roller bearings found in large aircraft and the space shuttle.

Oliver Rubber Company produces tires used in the retread business, and Hyosung USA manufactures wires that go into steel-belted tires used by earth-moving equipment. Fox Apparel makes uniforms for military personnel in the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as for the U.S. National Park Service, while Teleflex Medical makes heart catheters for surgery patients.

“And one of our long-standing companies – Klaussner Home Furnishings – has been producing top-line furniture in Randolph County since the 1950s,” Renfro says. “Manufacturing has always been a key component of the economy in this community, and remains so to this day.”