Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Michelin North America Inc. will expand its operations in Stanly County. The company plans to create 74 jobs and invest more than $11.3 million during the next three years in Norwood. The project was made possible in part by a $620,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“Creating jobs is my top priority. North Carolina continues to attract global brand-name companies seeking the perfect location to expand and create sustainable new jobs,” said Gov. Perdue. “Our state’s top business climate, skilled workforce and superb quality of life make an ideal combination for companies looking to invest, succeed and thrive.”
Michelin North America plans to add tire retread production capability in Norwood to better serve commercial, military and general aviation customers. Salaries will vary by job function, but the annual average wage for the 74 new jobs will be $35,784 plus benefits. That is greater than the Stanly County annual average wage of $28,288.
“The North Carolina leadership has been tremendously supportive of our expansion plans,” said Dick Wilkerson, chairman and president of Michelin North America. “The state has always been a great place to do business and Michelin looks forward to further growing its presence here.”
South Carolina-based Michelin North America employs more than 600 workers in North Carolina at facilities in Norwood, Asheboro and Salisbury. The company designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle.
Other partners who helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, state Division of Workforce Development, N.C. Community Colleges, Stanly County, Town of Norwood, Golden LEAF Foundation, N.C. Rural Economic Development Center and Duke Energy.
“During these tough economic times, it’s critical to make the right investments to grow and keep jobs in our state and allow companies to expand. This is great news for Stanly County,” said. Sen. Bill Purcell.
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.
For more information about Michelin North America, visit www.michelin-us.com. For information about job opportunities, call the Commerce Department’s Job Links Career Center/N.C. Employment Security Commission office at (704) 982-2183.