Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that Snap-on Inc., a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools and diagnostic equipment, is expanding its operations in Murphy. The company plans to invest nearly $2 million and create 40 jobs this year by consolidating operations from a Massachusetts plant to this state. The announcement was made possible in part by a $120,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“North Carolina’s manufacturing sector continues to evolve and take advantage of new regional and global opportunities,” Gov. Perdue said. “Snap-on is one of a growing number of companies that know first-hand our state’s excellent workforce, innovative training and education programs, and top business climate.”
Snap-on Inc., headquartered in Wisconsin, is a household name in professional tools and other equipment, with 35 manufacturing and distribution facilities worldwide, including 11 U.S. plants. The Snap-on plant in Murphy, which makes industrial power tools, employs 178 workers. The company plans to consolidate its power tools manufacturing operation in Massachusetts to Murphy.
The 40 new jobs will pay an average of $30,751, not including benefits. That is more than the Cherokee County average annual wage of $25,272.
“Doing business with the state of North Carolina, the Department of Commerce, the Community College System and the Murphy government and community agencies has and continues to be a great partnership,” said Mark Pezzoni, president of power and specialty tools for Snap-on. “Our decision to expand our business in Murphy is a direct result of our excellent working relationship with our partners in North Carolina.”
The One North Carolina 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. All of these grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
Through use of the One North Carolina Fund, more than 35,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Project partners include: the state Department of Commerce, the Department of Revenue, N.C. Community Colleges, Tri-County Community College, Cherokee County, the N.C. Rural Center and the Murphy Power Board.
For more information about Snap-on Inc., including employment opportunities, go to: http://www.snapon.com/.