Governor McCrory Announces Mafic USA to Create 113 Jobs in Cleveland County | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

U.S. unit of international manufacturer will invest more than $15 million

    Raleigh, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory, N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina announced today that Mafic USA LLC will launch a 113-job manufacturing operation in Cleveland County. The advanced materials company plans to invest more than $15 million in a production facility in Shelby.

    "Mafic USA brings an impressive track record of innovation and industry leadership to Cleveland County," said Governor McCrory. "Nothing speaks more powerfully to the quality of our workforce, market access and business climate than when a global company like Mafic chooses to invest and hire in North Carolina."

    Since Governor McCrory entered office in January of 2013, North Carolina's economy has generated more than 300,000 jobs.

    Mafic USA is the U.S. unit of privately-held Mafic Inc. The parent company, founded in 2012 and based in Ontario, Canada, is a part of a global producer of continuous and chopped basalt fiber as well as long fiber thermoplastic resins. Mafic products are shipped to buyers in the automotive, aerospace, alternative energy and numerous other industries. The company currently produces its basalt fiber products in Ireland and its long fiber thermoplastic resins in Canada.

    "We make things in North Carolina, so Mafic is a great fit," said Commerce Secretary Skvarla. "Manufacturing is among our largest industry sectors, accounting for nearly 20 percent of our gross domestic product, and it extends into every corner of our state."

    The company's new operations in Shelby will employ skilled operators, engineers, sales staff and other personnel. The company's presence will add nearly $3.6 million in annual payroll impact to the local economy.

    "We considered a number of locations across the U.S. for our first American manufacturing facility, said Mafic CEO Mike Levine. "North Carolina and Cleveland County had been under consideration from the start, due to its network of specialized suppliers and wide-range of potential B2B customers and strategic partners. What sealed the deal for us was the multifaceted support from all levels of government; the state, county and city. In particular, the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership went way beyond what was expected."

    Mafic USA's arrival in North Carolina was made possible in part by a performance-based grant of up to $225,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance in support of local governments in creating jobs and attracting economic investment. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for grant funds. All One NC grants require a local government match.

    A $500,000 grant from the state's Building Reuse Program, which provides grants to local governments for building renovations that lead to job growth, will also assist the company. An outdated and abandoned building will now be converted into a modern state-of-the-art facility suited to Mafic's very specific requirements.

    "Cleveland County has become a hub for international manufacturers, and we appreciate Mafic USA joining our ranks with its first U.S. manufacturing facility," said N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore. "Congratulations to the company and to all our economic development partners for their success in bringing 113 new jobs to our community."

    "We welcome Mafic USA and the job opportunities it brings to Cleveland County," said N.C. Senator Warren Daniel. "Their investment will bring valuable benefits to our community and economy."

    In addition to North Carolina Commerce and EDPNC, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority, Cleveland County, the City of Shelby, Duke Energy and the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership.