E-N-G Mobile Systems, LLC, a designer and manufacturer of specialized vehicles, will create 60 jobs as it locates its first East Coast operations in Cumberland County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company and a related company will invest $2.3 million in the new facility, located in Fayetteville.
“Manufacturers know they can find the skilled workforce they need to grow here in North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “E-N-G was looking to expand with its first location on the East Coast near the company’s diverse customer base and North Carolina is a perfect fit.”
E-N-G is a leading U.S. manufacturer of specialized vehicles, including electronic news gathering vehicles, which is what the company first started designing more than 40 years ago. Their product line has broadened to include specialized vehicles for public health and mobile laboratories, advanced technology, incident command and control, and utility services. E-N-G’s custom vehicles are now sold worldwide. The company, with headquarters in Concord, California, will be locating their first East Coast design and manufacturing operations in Fayetteville.
“E-N-G is very pleased to be expanding its production activities here to Fayetteville and Cumberland County,” said Dr. Craig Vanderwagen, Principal Director of E-N-G. “We are most appreciative of Governor Cooper’s leadership in welcoming us and facilitating our expansion. We made our decision to expand here specifically because of the favorable business development climate, the availability of skilled workers, and new partnerships that offer us real opportunities for growth and success. We hope to be a positive contributor to the economic well- being of North Carolina and Cumberland County as our future unfolds.”
“Manufacturing companies of all sizes, making everything from jets to jelly beans find success in North Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. Copeland. “E-N-G’s new home in Fayetteville will prove to be a great move for the company as they expand their footprint here.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company’s decision.
Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position but will average $43,558, higher than the Cumberland County average wage of $36,425.
A performance-based grant of $180,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate E-N-G’s location of new operations in North Carolina. The One N.C. Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“This is great news for Cumberland County,” said Senator Kirk deViere. “We’re excited to welcome a new company to our business community and the jobs and investment they’re bringing.”
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Cumberland County, Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s Economic Development Corporation, and North Carolina’s Southeast.