Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2005-02-17, Gov. Easley Announces 60 New Jobs For Pitt County One N.C. Fund Grant Helps DSM Dyneema Expand And Invest More Than $50 Million In The Area

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Vanessa Capobianco Date: February 17, 2005 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 60 NEW JOBS FOR PITT COUNTY One N.C. Fund Grant Helps DSM Dyneema Expand and Invest More Than $50 Million in the Area RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley announced today that DSM Dyneema, a manufacturer of high- performance polyethylene fiber, will expand its operations in Pitt County, creating 60 new jobs during the next three years and investing more than $50 million in the area. This announcement was made possible in part by a $200,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. “DSM Dyneema’s significant expansion in North Carolina is a tremendous win for the state and the community,” said Easley. “DSM’s decision to expand here in North Carolina is proof that our business friendly climate and highly skilled workforce are continuing to attract high quality jobs and industry. We will continue to make these smart investments to ensure that North Carolina remains highly competitive in the global economy.” DSM Dyneema, a subsidiary of Netherlands-based DSM, is the world’s largest producer of high- performance polyethylene fiber. The fiber is used as a component in ropes, cables, and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries, in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel, as well as in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yams for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. The 60 new jobs will be primarily manufacturing positions and will pay an average salary of $40,000 a year plus benefits. DSM Dyneema currently has 75 employees at its Greenville facility. “We are excited about the expansion of our Dyneema production facilities here in Greenville,” said Randy McGowan, plant manager, DSM Dyneema. “Pitt County has the infrastructure and skilled labor force needed to respond quickly to the growing market demand for Dyneema.” The One North Carolina Fund helps the state recruit and expand quality jobs by providing financial assistance to businesses or industries deemed by the governor to be vital to a healthy and growing state economy. Through use of this Fund, more than 13,000 jobs and more than $1.7 billion in investment have been created since 200 1 . Other contributors that made this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, the city of Greenville, Pitt County and Pitt County Community College. For information about possible job opportunities with DSM Dyneema, visit www.dsm.com. и a II II if it II II 1 1 Governor's Press Office State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166