ATI Specialty Materials to Expand in Union County and Add 70 New Jobs | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C.- Governor Pat McCrory, N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. announced today that Allegheny Technologies Incorporated will be constructing a new manufacturing facility adjacent to its current site in Union County. The expansion will create 70 new jobs over the next three years with a company investment of $69.8 million in the City of Monroe.

    "North Carolina's aerospace sector is one of our state's best employers," said Governor McCrory. "It is exciting to see this growth in an industry that will help map the course of North Carolina's economy for the future."

    Allegheny Technologies, based in Pittsburgh, P.A., is one of the world's largest and most diversified specialty materials and components producers. ATI's major markets include aerospace and defense, oil and gas/chemical process industry, electrical energy, medical, automotive, food equipment and appliance, and construction and mining.

    Secretary Skvarla met with Richard J. Harshman, Chairman, President and CEO of ATI and Hunter R. Dalton, Executive Vice President, ATI High Performance Specialty Materials Group today at the International Paris Air Show, the world's oldest and largest air show held on the tarmac at Le Bourget Airport.

    "ATI is one of Union County's largest employers, and this added commitment to the area helps build on North Carolina's aerospace industry," said Secretary Skvarla. "It is vital that our existing industries continue to grow and expand."

    Dalton noted, "For over 50 years we have had an operating base in North Carolina and have successfully executed multiple aerospace materials expansion projects. We are pleased that the economic development and public sector leadership of the State of North Carolina, Union County and the City of Monroe continue to recognize ATI as a valued corporate partner as ATI, once again, expands our Monroe area operations."

    "The positive business environment and employee work ethic in the region were key factors in the selection of Union County for the expansion," said Harshman. "These favorable conditions enable us to focus on growing our product portfolio to create value for our global customers and shareholders, and execute our strategy to enhance our specialty materials capabilities with a relentless focus on innovation. Our confidence in North Carolina is validated by our investment that now exceeds $300 million dollars during the last decade."

    Salaries will vary by job but will include skilled craftsman and operator positions. The average annual earnings for the new jobs will exceed $60,000. The average annual salary in Union County is $38,730.

    The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $140,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

    In addition to the N.C. Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C., other partners that helped with this project include NC Division of Rural Economic Development, North Carolina Community College System, Golden Leaf Foundation, Monroe-Union County Economic Development, Union County and the City of Monroe.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov