Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2004-11-09, Easley Announces Dell To Locate In Piedmont Triad: Announcement To Create Thousands Of Jobs And $743 Million In Net Revenue To The State

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Cooper Bratton Date: November 9, 2004 Phone: 919/733-5612 EASLEY ANNOUNCES DELL TO LOCATE IN PIEDMONT TRIAD Announcement To Create Thousands Of Jobs And $743 Million In Net Revenue To The State RALEIGH — Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Dell Inc., will build a computer manufacturing facility in the Piedmont Triad region, creating at least 1,500 jobs and investing S 100 million during the next five years. Total employment at the facility including strategic partners is estimated to be about 2,000. The project is expected to have a $24.5 billion impact on the state’s economy over the next 20 years and bring an estimated $743 million in net revenue to the state. A cost-benefit analysis run by the N.C. Department of Commerce indicates that the Dell plant will generate an additional 6,000 (multiplier) jobs in the region. "Dell’s decision to locate in North Carolina means thousands of jobs are headed to the Piedmont Triad, bringing better benefits and skills to an area hit hard by job loss due to federal trade policies,” said Easley. “In addition to providing much needed jobs, the Dell project will provide over $700 million in net revenue over 20 years. This project makes good economic sense for North Carolina at a time when our workers need help the most.” Dell, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of computers and related products, plans to build and equip a state-of-the-art, 400,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in the Piedmont Triad. Dell currently employs about 50,000 workers worldwide and has 16.8 percent of the global market for computers. Its sales during the fiscal year that ended Jan. 31 totaled $41 billion. Dell currently has two U.S. factories in Nashville, Tenn., and Austin, Texas. “The education system, commitment to businesses and proximity to a large and growing base of Dell customers were important in our decision to expand into North Carolina,” said Kevin Rollins, Dell’s chief executive officer. “I would like to thank the Governor and the General Assembly for their cooperation in creating an economic development partnership that brings jobs to North Carolina and supports Dell's continued growth." The General Assembly convened a one-day special session last Thursday to approve an economic incentive for computer manufacturing companies that in the case of Dell, will provide up to $225 million in tax credits over the next 15 years. Legislators overwhelmingly approved the package by a vote of 92-18 in the House and 33-15 in the Senate. In addition to the Computer Manufacturing Tax Credit, Dell will receive a Job Development Incentive Grant (JDIG) valued at up to $14.1 million over 12 years, under the terms of the agreement authorized unanimously by the state Economic Investment Committee. 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 -more-