Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Americhem, a globalr provider of custom color and additive solutions for the polymer industry, will locate a new manufacturing facility in Randolph County. The company plans to create 71 jobs and invest $22.6 million during the next three years in Liberty. The project was made possible in part by a $225,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“Manufacturers from around the world are coming to North Carolina. They see the immeasurable value of our skilled workforce, custom-training programs and top-rated business climate,” said Gov. Perdue. “Not only will Americhem’s new campus in Randolph County create needed jobs, it also has the potential for future growth.”
Founded in 1941, Americhem is one of the world’s largest custom color and additive concentrate manufacturers. Based in Ohio, the company operates six manufacturing facilities on three continents, employing over 500 people worldwide, including 127 in Cabarrus County. Americhem will establish a campus site for multiple manufacturing facilities in Randolph County to enable it to grow its North American business.
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $35,437 not including benefits. The Randolph County average annual wage is $29,172.
“Americhem is excited about our newest facilities to be located in Liberty,” said Rick Juve, Americhem Chief Executive Officer. “The addition of this manufacturing capacity to our global network will allow us to provide additional concentrates and specialty compounds to our growing customer base. We appreciate the assistance of Governor Perdue and Secretary Crisco in making our plans a reality and we’re looking forward to expanding our presence in North Carolina.”
The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state works aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.
Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 45,000 jobs and $8 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Progress Energy, the City of Liberty, Randolph County and the Randolph County Economic Development Commission.
For more information about Americhem, including job opportunities, go to www.americhem.com