Amid challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, East Fork Pottery is experiencing a promising upswing. Renowned for its chic and vibrant ceramic dishware, the 15-year-old company has unveiled plans to expand its Biltmore Village production facilities with a $2.5 million investment.
Founder and CEO Alex Matisse revealed that the expansion will enhance the main facility on Caribou Road by 30,000 square feet and create 40 new jobs, adding to the current 125-strong workforce. Offering an average wage of $26 per hour, the company aims to double its production capacity over the next three years.
Despite the economic hurdles left in the wake of Helene and a general decline in consumer confidence, East Fork has continued to thrive. In 2024, the pottery company produced 690,000 pieces, more than twice its output from 2021. Matisse expressed gratitude for the company’s resilience during these trying times.
A significant factor in East Fork’s recent success is the introduction of the “Matisse Collection.” This new line pays homage to Matisse’s great-grandfather, the acclaimed French artist Henri Matisse. The collection features mugs, plates, and platters adorned with iconic images, such as the cobalt-blue figures from the “Blue Nudes” series.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Matisse shared how he initially hesitated to leverage his grandfather’s legacy. “I had a hard time with it,” he admitted. “I wanted to build something with its own presence and its own name.” However, as the company evolved, he became more comfortable. “Customers have really responded to it. They love the collection and it shares his work in this new way with a new group of people and makes it very accessible in a sort of everyday fashion,” he said. “It’s been a beautiful moment of reconnection for me.”
Clark Duncan, Executive Director of the Asheville-Buncombe Economic Development Coalition, emphasized the importance of East Fork’s expansion for Asheville’s economy, which is still recovering from Helene’s aftermath. A Mountain BizWorks survey reported that the average local business suffered a $322,000 loss due to the hurricane.
“To have East Fork investing, creating jobs, and growing at this point in our history is just hugely important,” Duncan stated. “I think as a community, we have to celebrate every step that we take further away from the injuries of Sept 27. And so, seeing new jobs created in this community, at meaningful wage levels, are a great indicator of confidence in the future of Asheville.”
East Fork joins other companies in Buncombe County expanding their operations this year. Aerospace giant Pratt & Whitney announced a $285 million expansion in January, adding 325 jobs. In June, Fuel Goods, a sports nutrition company, declared a $1.7 million expansion, creating 47 new positions.
