Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that North American Aerodynamics Inc., a national manufacturer of parachutes for military and sports uses, will expand in Person County. The company will invest nearly $900,000 and create 375 jobs in Roxboro. The announcement was made possible in part by a $300,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“North Carolina, the nation’s most military-friendly state, maintains a strong manufacturing sector in support of our armed forces,” Perdue said. “Our state’s skilled workforce and excellent business climate continue to attract growing businesses.”
North American Aerodynamics Inc., a privately held company founded in 1964, produces the globally distributed Parafoil Accuracy Parachute Canopy and parachutes for the sports and military sectors. The company currently has 45 employees, along with 55 seasonally furloughed workers, at its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Person County.
The company, which recently secured a new military contract, plans to expand and renovate two existing nearby buildings to meet increased manufacturing demands. The expanded production will include cutting, sewing and assembly of cargo and flare parachutes for military operations in Afghanistan. The 375 new jobs will pay an annual average wage of $23,834.
“The decision to expand in Roxboro was made because of the community’s dedicated workforce and the enthusiastic support of the Person County Economic Development Commission, the state Department of Commerce, the managers and elected officials of Roxboro and Person County and their other development partners,” company President John Higgins said. “We are also very grateful to Gov. Perdue and North Carolina for their assistance in making this project happen.”
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, I welcome this effort to expand business and bring jobs to Person County,” said Sen. Ellie Kinnaird.
“This is important news for a rural community with high unemployment. Our top-notch workforce is attractive to companies that are looking to invest in and expand their operations in our state,” said Rep. Winkie Wilkins.
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 our 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, Person County, City of Roxboro, N.C. Community Colleges, Piedmont Community College and Research Triangle Regional Partnership.
For information on North American Aerodynamics, go to: http://naaero.com/. For more information on job opportunities, or to submit a resume, contact Patsy Jones at: namerican.hr@gmail.com.