East Fork Pottery announced plans to invest $2.5 million to expand production operations capacities on Friday, in conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC).  

Driven by growing national demand, this expansion will double production capacity generating 40 net new engineering and skilled production jobs in the next three years with an average wage of $26 per hour and sustain over 125 existing jobs. 

This investment will double East Fork’s production capacity, creating new living wage jobs and expanding their core line of ceramics. 

Founded as a traditional wood-fired pottery in 2010 by Alex Matisse in Madison County, East Fork is now a Certified B Corporation based in Asheville, North Carolina, producing over 750,000 pieces of pottery per year and designing and sourcing a range of beautiful, durable and useful products for the kitchen and home.  

East Fork is known for their enduring commitment to the Asheville community through their Community Partnership Program which has donated over $2 million to Asheville area grassroots organizations since 2017, and for their Fair Chance hiring practices through long-term partnerships with the EDC’s Inclusive Hiring Partners program and organizations like Operation Gateway and Deep Time.  

They have earned national recognition for their work in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fast Company and CBS Sunday Morning.

 “We’re excited to deepen our commitment to the Asheville community through this investment in our manufacturing capacity and our team, and grateful for the long-standing support from our customers and friends in Western North Carolina who continue to shape our story,” said East Fork founder and CEO Alex Matisse.  “There is a long tradition of pottery making in North Carolina, and we are proud to continue that legacy in our own way, proving that beautiful, durable dinnerware can still be made here in the U.S. at scale while providing a living wage.”

The creative economy of Western North Carolina has emerged as a critical economic driver in recent years, supporting over 9,000 jobs and generating over $1.1 billion in annual revenue for Buncombe County in 2024.  Like many businesses in this sector, East Fork contributes to both economic and community well-being by encouraging healthy living, economic opportunity and a stronger, more resilient Asheville. Company leadership is committed to competitive wages, strong benefits and career development opportunities with hiring practices that emphasize inclusivity, access and skill-building.

“The City of Asheville is proud to congratulate East Fork on their expansion plans and historic growth over the last 15 years.  Their continued commitment to Asheville plays an essential role in rebuilding our creative economy and supporting a resilient future in Western North Carolina,” shared Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. 

“This expansion affirms that our economic development strategies targeting industries like creative and advanced manufacturing are growing economic opportunity for locals by investing in high wage careers,” said Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards.   “Beyond the impact of new jobs and community impact, these expansions strengthen our national reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing, giving our local economy a competitive edge.”

“The EDC Board of Directors is incredibly proud of East Fork’s growth and its commitment to investing in its workforce by providing truly livable wages,” stated EDC Board Chair Carol Steen. “By ensuring employees earn wages that support stability and opportunity, East Fork demonstrates how responsible business practices strengthen both a company and its community. This company’s success truly embodies our AVL 5x5 Strategic Plan to build capacity for target industries. We are thrilled to see a company that put down roots in Asheville 15 years ago expanding their reach in national and international markets. Supporting homegrown companies as they continue to reinvest in our community is at the heart of the work of the EDC.”

 For more information about the company and related employment opportunities, visit https://www.eastfork.com.

Source: Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce