Governor McCroy Announces Industrial Expansion in Rockingham and New Hanover Counties
For Immediate Releases:
Background Screening Firm to Expand in New Hanover County
Raleigh, N.C. Today, Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that Castle Branch, a company that provides background screening, drug testing, employment verification, vendor credentialing and other services, will expand its corporate headquarters in Wilmington. The company plans to create 420 new jobs in North Carolina by the end of 2017 and invest $10.2 million into its New Hanover County location.
"We're proud to have Castle Branch as a strong corporate partner in North Carolina," said Governor McCrory. "Their expansion is a great example of a company choosing to create jobs and invest in our state as they grow."
Founded in 1997, Castle Branch began as a provider of background checks and drug-testing services for businesses. Since that time, the company has evolved into related fields that include heath care and vendor credentialing tools. Castle Branch employs 200 people at its Wilmington headquarters and recently expanded with a sales office in California.
"We are committed to growing the number of jobs in North Carolina and we know that a majority of those jobs will come from existing companies like Castle Branch," said Sharon Decker, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce. "We applaud Brett Martin for the great work that he is doing and his commitment to invest in North Carolina as his company grows."
Castle Branch plans to expand in order to accommodate the growing demand for its services. The expansion will include many corporate functions including, but not limited to, customer service, IT and sales.
"The expansion of our Wilmington facility will require more than 400 employees and significant long term investments in the community. We are excited and grateful that the state, city and county have joined us in this effort," said Brett Martin, CEO of Castle Branch.
Compensation will vary by job function, but total payroll is estimated to be $13.9 million plus benefits. The average annual wage in New Hanover County is $38,204.
"This is great news for the New Hanover County economy," said Senator Thom Goolsby. "It's encouraging to see our new governor moving quickly to help accelerate job creation in our area. Castle Branch is a great company and asset to our county. We have to stay focused on job creation -- it's our number one objective."
"This is great news for our citizens," said Rep. Susi Hamilton. "I was Executive Director of Wilmington Downtown Inc. when Castle Branch made the decision to relocate here 11 years ago, and they employed 25 people at that time. Now they have 200 well-paid employees, with plans to hire 400 more as they make Wilmington their world headquarters. I am thrilled that the city and county saw fit to encourage them to grow here, rather than California. It is extremely satisfying to see a growing company that provides clean, well-paying jobs dig their heels into our area."
The project was made possible in part by an award from the state Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program. Receipt of the award is based on proof of job creation and other performance requirements. Today, the state Economic Investment Committee voted to award a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) to Castle Branch. JDIGs are awarded only to new and expanding businesses and industrial projects whose benefits exceed the costs to the state and which would not be undertaken in North Carolina without the grant.
Under the terms of the company's JDIG award, Castle Branch is eligible to receive up to eight annual grants equal to 45 percent of the state personal income tax withholdings from the eligible new jobs created since the date of the initial award. Receipt of each annual grant is based on state-certified proof that the company has fulfilled incremental job creation and capital investment requirements. Over eight years, the JDIG award could yield aggregate benefits to Castle Branch of up to $1,238,250.
In addition, up to $413,000 in additional funds from the company's JDIG award could be added to the state's Utility Fund for infrastructure improvements in economically distressed counties. When a JDIG is awarded to a company whose site is located in the state's more economically prosperous counties such as New Hanover, 25 percent of the company's grant is allocated to the Utility Fund to encourage economic development in less prosperous counties. For more information on the county tier designations, visit: http://www.nccommerce.com/research-publications/incentive-reports/county-tier-designations.
Other partners who assisted with this announcement include: The N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, New Hanover County, Wilmington Business Development, and the City of Wilmington.
For more information about Castle Branch, including job opportunities, visit www.castlebranch.com.
Contact: Crystal Feldman
govpress@nc.gov
Furniture Manufacturer to Create 11 Jobs in Rockingham County
Raleigh, N.C. -- Today, Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that Southern Finishing Company, a furniture and cabinet component manufacturer, will expand its facility in Rockingham County. The company plans to create 11 jobs and invest more than $500,000 over the next three years in Stoneville.
"An important part of our economic growth strategy must include increasing the number of products made in North Carolina," said Governor McCrory. "Our state's skilled workforce gives manufacturers a huge competitive advantage."
Southern Finishing Company, founded in 1978, specializes in prefinishing mouldings, accessories, panels, doors, kitchen and bath cabinet components, and bedrails crafted to each customer's specifications. The company partners with manufacturers such as American Woodmark, Marsh Furniture, Armstrong Cabinets, Quality Cabinets and Thomasville Furniture. Southern Finishing currently employs 10 people at its Stoneville facility.
"North Carolina has a global reputation for manufacturing top-notch furniture," said Sharon Decker, N.C. Secretary of Commerce. "This expansion is great news for a community that was hit hard by the economic recession."
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual payroll for the new jobs will be more than $280,000.
"Southern Finishing has a 32 year history in the wood industry in North Carolina, so this is a logical step for us," said Ed Brown, President & CEO, Southern Finishing Company. "Many of our customers and suppliers have facilities in North Carolina. We currently have a manufacturing facility here. This background, the availability of affordable space and a labor force with wood industry experience in the area make this an ideal site for Southern Finishing. This move will allow us to consolidate our manufacturing base, reduce overhead, save existing manufacturing jobs and concentrate on future growth. We appreciate the opportunity that the State of North Carolina, the Town of Stoneville and Rockingham County are affording us."
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $13,000. The grant is contingent upon proof of job creation and receipt of a local funding match. 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.
"Developing a climate for job creation in the state of North Carolina is my number one priority," said Rep. Bryan Holloway. "I am very pleased that Southern Finishing has chosen to invest in Rockingham County."
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Rockingham County, Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development and the Town of Stoneville.
Contact: Crystal Feldman
govpress@nc.gov
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