Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2007-02-09, Gov. Easley Announces Creation Of 283 Jobs In Guilford County: JDIG Helps Honda Aircraft Build The HondaJet At Piedmont Triad International Airport

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Lauren Carrier Phone: 919/733-5612 Date: February 9, 2007 GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES CREATION OF 283 JOBS IN GUILFORD COUNTY JDIG Helps Honda Aircraft Build the HondaJet at Piedmont Triad International Airport RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Honda Aircraft Company Inc., a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., will expand its Greensboro operations and build its new HondaJet at Piedmont Triad International Airport. The project, which calls for an investment of up to S 100 million and the creation of 283 jobs during the next five years that pay an average of $70,000, twice the county’s annual wage, was made possible in part by a Job Development Investment Grant approved today. “We all know that North Carolina is home to the first flight and now Honda Aircraft knows it has a place for its new HondaJet to really take off,” said Easley. “Because of our state’s commitment to making the necessary investments in workforce development and education, 283 more North Carolinians will have high-wage, high-skilled 21st century jobs.” HondaJet is a new innovative, lightweight private business jet. Its unique construction makes it more fuel-efficient and less costly to operate than similar aircraft on the market today. The jet also has faster cruising speeds than conventional aircraft in its class. Honda Aircraft Co. was established in Guilford County in August 2006 to oversee production, certification, sales and service of the HondaJet. As part of the JDIG agreement, the company must retain the 50 workers at their Greensboro headquarters for the duration of the 12-year grant. In addition, 283 new workers will design, engineer and manufacture the new plane. The average annual salary for the new jobs will be around $70,000 a year plus benefits, which is almost double the Guilford County annual salary average of $35,600 a year not including benefits. “We sincerely appreciate the superb cooperation and partnership we have been receiving from North Carolina’s state and local officials who have worked so hard with us to help make this day possible,” said Michimasa Fujino, president and chief operating officer of Honda Aircraft. The state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today voted to award a Job Development Investment Grant to the company to facilitate this project. Under the terms of the JDIG agreement approved by the committee, a 12-year grant will be established. - MORE - Governor's Press Office State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166