Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that CertainTeed Gypsum Inc., a manufacturer of construction materials, will build a wallboard manufacturing facility in Person County. The company plans to create 89 jobs during the next three years in Roxboro. The project will benefit from a $300,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“As North Carolina’s economic recovery builds strength, our state continues to attract growing manufacturing companies like this one and new jobs for our deserving citizens,” said Gov. Perdue. “Our skilled and adaptable workforce, custom training programs and aggressive business recruiting are drawing companies nationwide looking for the best location to thrive.”
Tampa-based CertainTeed Gypsum Inc. is a leading North American maker of gypsum wallboard and related products used in commercial and residential construction.
CertainTeed plans to build a highly efficient gypsum wallboard manufacturing facility in Roxboro, with a planned investment of $160 million over three years. Salaries for the new jobs will vary by job function, but the annual average wage for the new jobs will be $55,247, not including benefits. That is above the Person County average annual wage of $30,524.
“I’m very pleased that CertainTeed plans to bring such economic development to Person County,” said Sen. Ellie Kinnaird. “Again and again, North Carolina is showing that our top-notch workforce is helping attract companies that are looking to invest in and expand their operations in our state.”
“For a rural community with high unemployment, this is important – and reassuring – news,” said Rep. Winkie Wilkins. “Also very pleasing to me is the fact that the One NC Fund is being used here in Person County. Full funding of the One NC Fund is something I have worked for during my entire time in the legislature.”
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 40,000 jobs and $7 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other partners who helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Person County, Piedmont Community College, Person County Economic Development Commission, Research Triangle Regional Partnership, Progress Energy and PSNC Energy.
For more information about CertainTeed Corp. and its subsidiaries, including job opportunities with the company, go to: http://www.certainteed.com/.