08/05/2026
Today celebrated an exciting milestone at our Piedmont Mattress Plant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the PIE partnership between Spec-Tex, Inc. and North Carolina Correction Enterprises and the addition of a new Radio Frequency (RF) Welder machine.
PIECP Program Coordinator Shalonza Atkins, Spec-Tex Representative Josh Faizzadeh, NCDAC COO Chief Deputy Secretary Tammera Hill, Chief Executive Officer John Coleman, and General Manager Richard Athay were just a few of the many in attendance.
This cutting-edge technology represents more than an equipment upgrade—it strengthens our commitment to innovation, workforce development, and manufacturing excellence.
Unlike traditional welding methods, RF welding generates heat directly within the material, producing stronger, cleaner, and more consistent airtight and watertight seams while reducing energy consumption by up to 60%. The process also eliminates the need for adhesives and solvents, supporting more sustainable manufacturing practices and improving production efficiency.
Investments like this help ensure our incarcerated workforce gains experience with advanced manufacturing technology while producing high-quality products that meet today's industry standards.
Together, Spec-Tex and Correction Enterprises continue to demonstrate how partnership, innovation, and workforce development create lasting value for North Carolina.
