Monday, October 13, 2008

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 102 JOBS IN CLEVELAND COUNTY One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Greenheck Fan Invest $10.3 Million In Kings Mountain

RALEIGH
Oct 13, 2008

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Greenheck Fan Corp., an international supplier of commercial and industrial ventilation systems, plans to expand its Kings Mountain plant, investing $10.3 million and adding 102 jobs during the next three years. The expansion was made possible in part by a $66,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“North Carolina is committed to encouraging growth and expansion in the manufacturing sector of our economy,” said Easley. “Education and jobs are inextricably linked. We are working hard to make sure employers have a workforce with the knowledge, talent and skills to help them prosper in North Carolina.”

Greenheck Fan Corp., headquartered in Wisconsin, produces fans and ventilators for a global market, including air handling systems for hotels, malls, office buildings and commercial kitchens. The company has distribution centers throughout the nation, including a facility in Greensboro. Greenheck, which currently employs 64 workers at its Kings Mountain manufacturing plant, plans to expand that facility to increase production of commercial kitchen ventilation systems.

Salaries for the 102 new positions will vary by job type, but the average annual wage will be $32,026 not including benefits. That is more than the Cleveland County average annual wage of $31,200.

“Greenheck has a tradition of investing in its people and facilities. In these uncertain times we have decided to continue our tradition with further investment into many of our locations,” said Kevin Frane, Kings Mountain plant manager. “We, as a company, are excited about the expansion of our North Carolina facility and look forward to sharing the experience with the community. Thus far we have been pleased with our North Carolina experiences and look for continued long-term growth.”

The One North Carolina Fund provides financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Through the use of the One North Carolina Fund, more than 30,000 jobs and $6 billion in investment have been created since 2001. All of these grants require local matches.

Other partners who helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Cleveland County, Gardner-Webb University and Cleveland Community College.

For more information about Greenheck Fan, including employment opportunities, go to: www.greenheck.com.