Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Seth Effron
Date: November 16, 2006 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 160 JOBS IN LEE COUNTY
$50,000 One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps System Plast Expand in Sanford
RALEIGH-Gov. Mike Easley today announced that System Plast, makers of conveyor system components, will expand in Lee County creating 160 new jobs and investing $4.25 million over the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $50,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.
“North Carolina’s business-friendly climate continues to help attract quality businesses like System Plast grow,” Easley said. “We will continue our investments in education, workforce training and infrastructure to ensure manufacturing companies grow and succeed in our state.”
System Plast currently employs 12 people at its Sanford facility. The expansion will consolidate the company’s Sanford and Pennsylvania operations into one facility in Lee County. While wages will vary by job function, the expected average weekly wage of the new jobs is $690 plus benefits, which is higher than the Lee County average weekly wage of $631 not including benefits.
“Lee County was an obvious choice for the relocation of our Pennsylvania operations,” says Garland Jones, CEO of System Plast. “Lee County Economic Development has offered great support and assistance regarding regulatory issues and permitting, amongst other critical issues.” Another factor that lead to operations consolidation in North Carolina, Jones said, is that the Lee County area offers access to local tool and die makers that are critical to many of its major projects.
The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon a local match. Through the use of this Fund, more than 20,000 jobs and $3 billion in investment have been created since 2001.
Other partners who helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Lee County, Central Carolina Community College and Progress Energy. For more information about the company and employment opportunities, please visit www.solusii.com.
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