Today Governor Josh Stein announced US Conec Ltd., a global leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of high-density optical interconnects, will add 224 new jobs in Catawba County. The company will invest more than $149.7 million to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hickory.
“North Carolina companies appreciate the advantages of operating in our state,” said Governor Josh Stein. “US Conec’s decision to expand here validates the strength of our manufacturing base, our skilled talent, and our stable business climate.”
Headquartered in Hickory since its founding in 1992, US Conec provides industry-leading components worldwide for advanced computing infrastructure, enterprise networks, telecommunications networks, circuit board interconnects, and industrial and military markets. This expansion will add a 200,000-square-foot building for advanced manufacturing, research and development, administrative operations, and distribution.
“The support of our state leaders for US Conec's expansion is great news for North Carolina, for Catawba County, and for our industry,” said Tracey Horton, president of US Conec. “The expansion will create highly skilled jobs, enhance US Conec's manufacturing capabilities in Catawba County and help meet growing demand driven by deployments of advanced computing infrastructure. We appreciate the attractive environment North Carolina has created for advanced manufacturing and look forward to continuing to invest in our team, our operations, and the communities where we work.”
“This expansion is more great news for our innovation economy and the advanced computing supply chain in Catawba County,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Investments like these help position rural communities to compete for high-demand industries as it attracts global companies that will create more jobs and increase resiliency."
While wages for engineers, operators, technicians, and support staff vary, the annual average salary for the new positions will be $56,982, which exceeds the Catawba County average of $56,937. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $12.7 million for the region.
A performance-based grant of $500,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company expand in North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments, and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“This is another great win for Catawba County and the entire State of North Carolina,” said Senator Mark Hollo. “US Conec has been a great corporate citizen and we stand ready to support the company in this next phase of growth.”
“We welcome these new jobs and investment to Hickory,” said Representative Jay Adams. “We appreciate the diligent work of the state and local officials as well as the economic development professionals that helped the company make this decision.”
In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the North Carolina Community College System, Catawba Valley Community College, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Catawba County, the City of Hickory, and the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation.