Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2008-04-30, Gov. Easley Announces 900 Jobs In New Hanover County: State Grants Help GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Expand Near Wilmington

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Emma Lipscomb Date: April 30, 2008 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 900 JOBS IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY State Grants Help GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’ Expand Near Wilmington RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley announced today that GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC will expand its campus near Wilmington, creating 900 jobs over the next five years and investing $704 million. State grants from the One North Carolina Fund and Job Development Investment Grant program made the project possible. “GE’s decision to expand its world headquarters for nuclear operations in New Hanover shows that North Carolina understands the connection between education and economic development in the 2Г1 century,” said Easley. “GE recognizes that our nation’s ability to dominate the global economy is based on making sure our kids get a college education. Through its partnership with Cape Fear Community College with the new Nuclear Maintenance Technology Program, we will continue to prepare our workers with the knowledge, talent and skill to succeed.” General Electric ranks sixth on the FORTUNE 500 list of largest American corporations with 300,000 workers in more than 100 countries. GE employs more than 4,400 people at various locations in North Carolina, including more than 2,000 in New Hanover County. Based outside Wilmington, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) is a world-leading provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services. Established in June 2007, GEH is an alliance created by GE and Tokyo-based Hitachi Ltd. to serve the global nuclear industry. With this expansion, the company plans to add new manufacturing, training, simulation and testing facilities at the 1,300-acre campus. The project could include a commercial uranium-enrichment facility that would use a new laser process the company has exclusive rights to develop and commercialize. While wages for the 900 new jobs will vary, the overall average wage will be about $85,000 a year not including benefits. This is more than double the New Hanover County average of $33,226. “GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy is pleased to expand our Wilmington headquarters,” said President and CEO Jack Fuller. “The leadership of the state of North Carolina and New Hanover County has long demonstrated a strong commitment to economic growth and job creation. Through their efforts, our state and region have an outstanding workforce, excellent educational institutions and a business environment that encourages and promotes entrepreneurship and opportunity for all our citizens.” Easley praised the educational partnership between GE Hitachi and Cape Fear Community College to train technicians in nuclear utility maintenance and repair through an innovative two-year college degree program. The Nuclear Maintenance Technology Program currently has 65 students enrolled and 1 1 graduates who work for the company, which pays tuition and a stipend to the students while they attend school in return for a two-year commitment by the students to work for the company upon graduation. Governor's Press Office State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (9 19) 733-5 166