
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 19, 1994                   TAG: 9405190141
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ADRIENNE PETTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PERMIT FILED TO INCREASE PLANT SIZE

A Franklin County manufacturer of framed mirrors and other furniture accessories has applied for a rezoning permit that would allow it to more than double the size of its plant and create as many as 100 new jobs. The company now employs 65.

The Uttermost Corp. is seeking zoning approval to expand its 33,000-square-foot plant by 52,200 square feet because of increased demand for its products, said Robert Cooper, the company's president.

Cooper said Uttermost recently has attracted many new customers and has seen an increase in orders from existing customers. "Primarily, our product line is more diverse than most of our competitors," he said.

Cooper said the company expects to hire 100 new full-time employees after the plant expansion is complete, expected six months after zoning approval. The average starting annual salary is $12,000. After 30 days, workers receive a substantial raise if their work is satisfactory, Cooper said.

The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to consider the request on May 31. If the board recommends approval, the board of supervisors still must approve the plan.

by CNB