Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that SANS Technical Fibers LLC, an international manufacturer of synthetic nylon filament and yarn for the high-performance, military, automotive and other markets, will expand its plant in Rockingham County. The company will invest more than $2.8 million and create 25 jobs in Stoneville. The announcement was made possible in part by a $60,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“North Carolina remains a top choice for successful companies adapting to compete in a global marketplace,” Gov. Perdue said. “Our exceptional quality of life and skilled workforce continue to attract companies looking for the perfect location to expand and prosper.”
SANS Technical Fibers, headquartered in Gastonia, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AECI Limited of South Africa. AECI has consolidated its fiber-producing operations to the Stoneville plant, which currently employs about 100 people.
The SANS Stoneville plant will manufacture nylon industrial fibers for sewing thread, knitting and weaving operations in the automotive market and for military vests, packs and parachutes. The 25 new jobs will pay an average annual wage of $25,669, not including benefits.
“We are extremely pleased to announce this expansion, which will ensure that we maintain our position as the premier supplier to the global nylon 6.6 sewing thread market. Most of the capacity from this cost-effective expansion will be exported into Europe, South America and Asia,” said Zach Zacharias, president and CEO of SANS Technical Fibers.
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.
“During these tough economic times, it’s important to make the right investments to create jobs and grow businesses,” said Rep. Nelson Cole. “We welcome these jobs in Stoneville and look forward to working with the Governor to add more jobs to the area.”
North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state will work 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 project partners include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Rockingham County, Rockingham County Partnership for Economic & Tourism Development, Town of Stoneville and Duke Energy.
For information on company job opportunities, please contact: hr@sansfibers.com.