Posted on 07/25/2017 12:42:04 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
WXII LEXINGTON, N.C. — A European business plans to create more than 700 jobs over the next 15 years in Davidson County.
Gov. Roy Cooper and the Davidson County Economic Development Commission announced Monday afternoon in Lexington the completion of a long term agreement with EGGER Wood Products, one of Europe’s leading wood-based materials supplier for the furniture, wood construction and the flooring industries.
The company’s development plans include creating 770 manufacturing jobs over the next 15 years with a proposed $700 million investment.
The first phase, creating 400 jobs, will happen over the next six years, and an additional 370 jobs are planned for later phases of the project.
The jobs will average $40,000 per year, above Davidson County’s current average annual wage of $36,836.
“North Carolina’s legacy as a top state for furniture manufacturing and the availability of a skilled labor force is an excellent advantage for EGGER’s first entry into the U.S. market. International manufacturing companies looking to expand in the U.S. will find all the components in North Carolina they need to succeed – including a strong transportation infrastructure, proximity to suppliers and customers, a business-friendly tax environment and of course, access to skilled workers,” Cooper said.
Tommy Hedrick, chairman of the Davidson County EDC said, “This is the culmination of a long journey to develop the I-85 Corporate Center and the beginning of the investment and job creation vision we followed during the Park’s creation. We thank the Commissioners for their strong leadership and commitment to the future of jobs and economic stability in the County”.
EGGER Group, which is a family-owned company based in Austria, operates 18 plants and 25 sales offices worldwide, providing a wide range of wood-based products.
The facility in Davidson County will be a particle board manufacturing plant and EGGER’s first U.S. manufacturing operation.
The facility will contribute to the regional economy through the purchase of wood byproducts from sawmills and working with a range of local suppliers for additional services.
“Today’s announcement is the perfect example of the manufacturing resurgence that we’re experiencing in the state,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “We’re confident EGGER has made the right decision and will thrive here in North Carolina.”
“Having our own production facility in North America is vital for EGGER to tap into the market and become a significant player for the growing demand in the U.S. for woodbased materials,” said Walter Schiegl, EGGER Chief Technology Officer and member of the executive board. “Our sales activities in the U.S. have already proved our product range is highly attractive for architects, designers, wholesalers and industry customers. With the Davidson County production site, we will be able to enhance our customer relationships, ensuring product availability and speed of delivery. Our goal is to position ourselves as the leading brand for wood-based solutions in the U.S., as we are already in Europe.”
Foreign companies promise the world. Let’s see if they can deliver. A Dem Governor ensures the MSM will ignore any problems.
Nissan, BMW and Mercedes have been very good to the states they reside in, for instance.
Isn’t it good.
Davidson County was gutted by the furniture and textile exit both pre and post NAFTA. Luckily it is within commuting distance to other employment centers.
GloBULLism and Free(Rape) Trade have been one big sh*t sandwich for the average American.
But, I'll take the first phase, and be fairly happy about it.
Seems that some furniture manufacturing is coming back to the area. Not anywhere near what it was 20-30 years ago, but a steady stream. A high quality labor pool is hard to find.
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