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: March 23, 2007 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 29 JOBS IN LENOIR COUNTY
One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps AG Machining Inc. Open in Kinston
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced AG Machining Inc. will open a manufacturing facility in Kinston, creating 29 jobs and investing $1.6 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $60,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.
“AG Machining’s decision to open its first east coast facility in North Carolina reflects our success in building state and local partnerships that result in a business-friendly climate,” Easley said. “Our steadfast commitment to investing in education and workforce development make sure North Carolina is the go-to state for businesses seeking to expand and grow.”
AG Machining is headquartered in Simi Valley, Calif., and specializes in metal fabrication and machining and powder coating for the printing and computer industries. While wages will vary by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $520 plus benefits. This is greater than the average county wage, which is $506 per week, not including benefits.
“Everyone in North Carolina who helped us with this project was very helpful and very easy to work with,” said Angel Garcia, president of AG Machining. “The quality of the schools and favorable cost of living make North Carolina very attractive and helped us in our decision.”
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 25,000 jobs and $3.5 billion in investment have been created since 2001.
“This is another example of how our economic development policies are working to bring jobs to our region,” said state Rep. Van Braxton (D-Lenoir). “As a member of the House Commerce Committee, I will make sure we continue to do all we can to keep our state attractive to new and expanding businesses.”
Sen. Charles Albertson (D-Duplin), who represents the area, said: “Companies throughout the nation recognize that North Carolina is a good place to do business. I am proud of the cooperation between the state and local governments, education and local business leaders, who effectively work together to welcome growing firms.”
Other partners who helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Lenoir County, Lenoir Community College, the City of Kinston and the Lenoir Committee of 100.
For more information about job opportunities, contact George Montero at gmontero@agmachininginc.com