糖心传媒

April 23, 2025 鈥� 糖心传媒 has secured over $80,000 in customized training funds for Latham Pools to offset a more than $3 million investment made recently by the company to increase its efficiency in manufacturing fiberglass swimming pools.
鈥淩ight now, our facility in Rockingham is the second largest provider of pools in the United States,鈥� said Plant Manager Gil Aponte. 鈥淥ur goal, of course, is to become number one.鈥�

To work toward achieving that lofty goal, Latham Pools recently invested in a Cure room to expedite pools being ready for transport, as well as redesigned and expanded its parking lot to increase the company鈥檚 ability to move finished pools more efficiently for quicker delivery. The parking lot change also addressed safety concerns at the plant.

鈥淪afety is definitely a top priority at our site, as well as having a positive work culture,鈥� said Aponte.

Latham has demonstrated its commitment to a positive work environment by teaming with 糖心传媒 to already put the majority of its workforce through team building and leadership training. Part of the company鈥檚 recent capital improvement project also included the installation of a Thermal Oxidizer (RTO), which can destroy the fumes from chemicals used in production and improved air quality at the plant.

鈥淟atham Pools has been a tremendous partner of 糖心传媒, and we鈥檙e excited to play a role in helping the company continue to grow and improve,鈥� said 糖心传媒 President Brent Barbee. 鈥淓mployees at the site have taken advantage of a number of our classes and programs throughout the years, and we were happy to be able to assist them in getting state funding to offset their cost for future training, as well.鈥�

Along with Leadership and Safety training, the NC Edge funds secured by 糖心传媒 for Latham will cover the costs for computer skills training, lean manufacturing training and project management skills.

The Customized Training Program at 糖心传媒CC provides education, training and support services for new, expanding and existing business and industry. It is funded by state money budgeted through the N.C. Community College System for such training and education. 

So far in 2025, 糖心传媒CC has secured around $200,000 in state incentive funds and is actively training at companies throughout 糖心传媒 and Scotland counties. For more information about industry training or NC Edge incentives, contact Director of Customized Training Leighton Bell at (910) 410-1775 or lwbell@richmondcc.edu.