Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that DuPont will add a new facility on a portion of its Fayetteville Works campus in Bladen County, creating 10 jobs and investing $55 million during the next three years. The announcement of the new plant, which will make a key component in solar energy panels, was made possible in part by a $50,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“DuPont's expansion confirms that we are reaping the benefits from our investments in a knowledge-based work force and community infrastructure,” Perdue said. “Support of our existing industries, education and an exceptional quality of life are among the many reasons North Carolina's business climate is consistently ranked among the top in the nation.”
DuPont employs 60,000 workers in 70 countries worldwide, including more than 900 at N.C. facilities in Fayetteville, Kinston and the Research Triangle Park. The new plant, in Bladen County near the Cumberland-Bladen County line, will produce polymer for DuPont ™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride film used in the protective backsheets of photovoltaic solar panels. These panels convert light into electric power. The photovoltaic industry is experiencing worldwide growth as consumers turn to alternatives such as fossil fuels. This expansion will allow DuPont to keep pace with market expansion. The company expects overall sales of its family of products into the photovoltaic industry to exceed $1 billion by 2012.
Salaries for the 10 new skilled manufacturer positions will vary by job type, but the average annual wage will be $36,278, not including benefits, more than the Bladen County average annual wage of $25,792.
“The decision to build this new Tedlar® facility at our site is great news for our employees and the community of Cumberland-Bladen County,” said Karen Wrigley, plant manager, DuPont Fayetteville Works. “It shows that our site continues to be viewed favorably by the company as a place to invest, and the support from the One North Carolina Fund further validates the great, long-term relationship DuPont has had with the state.”
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. Through the use of the One North Carolina Fund, more than 40,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in investment have been created since 2001. All of these grants require local matches.
“During these tough economic times, it’s critical that we continue to make investments to expand our businesses and add jobs,” said Sen. Tony Rand.
“North Carolina’s business climate and strong workforce continue to attract leading businesses to expand in our state,” said Rep. William Brisson.
Other partners who helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Bladen County, Bladen Community College, N.C. Rural Economic Development Center, Progress Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas.
This is the second $50 million investment DuPont has made to build a Tedlar® facility at its Fayetteville Works site. The company announced it would build its first Tedlar® plant in Fayetteville in August 2006. That plant started up in 2007 and resulted in the addition of 15 jobs.
For more information about DuPont™ Tedlar® films or potential job opportunities, please visit: www.dupont.com.