Governor McCroy Announces New Commerce Initiatives | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

Governor McCrory Releases Statement on American-US Airways Merger

   Raleigh, N.C.     Today, Governor Pat McCrory released the following statement:

    "The American-US Airways merger is great news for North Carolina. The deal could connect our state to more destinations worldwide, increase travel and economic activity around one of the world's most important transportation hubs, and help us create jobs. I am excited and supportive of the plan and wish both companies luck in seeing the deal through to the end."

Awesome Products to Create 90 Jobs in Surry County

    Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that Awesome Products Inc., a laundry detergent and cleaning products manufacturer, will locate a facility in Surry County.

    The company plans to create 90 jobs and invest $22 million over the next three years in Mount Airy. The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $300,000. The grant is contingent upon proof of job creation and receipt of a local funding match.

    “Companies know North Carolina’s skilled workforce gives them a competitive edge,” said Gov. McCrory. “Our state must continue to support our growing manufacturing sector through investments in education, job training programs and critical infrastructure.”

    Awesome Products, founded in 1983, manufactures chemical and household cleaning products. The company currently operates manufacturing and distribution centers in Arkansas and California. The new environmentally-friendly facility in Surry County will specialize in producing household chemicals such as bleach, degreasers and cleaners. The plant will also serve as a distribution center for customers in the Northeast and Southeast.

    “This announcement demonstrates the importance of our strong manufacturing heritage and why companies choose to do business in North Carolina,” said Sharon Decker, N.C. Secretary of Commerce. “We welcome Awesome Products to North Carolina and wish them success in Surry County.”

    Awesome Products plans to create as many as 140 jobs over five years to gain maximum benefits from performance-based incentives approved by Surry County and the City of Mount Airy. The state grant will be based on the company creating 90 jobs and investing $22 million over the first three years of the project.

    Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wages for the new jobs will be $33,611, plus benefits. The average annual wage in Surry County is $30,456.

    “The availability of a skilled workforce along with support from the city, county and state governments is what has driven Awesome Products Inc. to come to the State of North Carolina,” said L. D. Hardas, President of Awesome Products Inc.

    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.

    "Awesome Products recognized Surry County's potential," said Rep. Sarah Stevens. "North Carolina has a proud history of manufacturing that will continue with Awesome Products."

    "I was excited to be a part of this project to bring badly needed jobs to our area," said Senator Shirley Randleman. "This is the result of local and state officials working together to stabilize our community's economic future."

    Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Department of Transportation, N.C. Community Colleges, Surry County. City of Mount Airy, Surry Economic Development Partnership, Duke Energy and the Yadkin Valley Railroad.

    Contact: Crystal Feldman     govpress@nc.gov