Wednesday, October 22, 2008

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 51 JOBS IN ALAMANCE COUNTY One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Sandvik Invest $85 Million In Mebane

RALEIGH
Oct 22, 2008

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Sandvik Inc., an international supplier of cutting tools and other engineered equipment, plans to expand its Mebane plant, investing $85 million and adding 51 jobs during the next three years. The expansion was made possible in part by a $150,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“We will continue our aggressive efforts to provide workforce training, dedicated, knowledge-based workers and an exceptional quality of life so companies can expand in our state,” said Easley. “This is a great day for Alamance County, the region and North Carolina.”

Sweden-based Sandvik produces high-speed cutting tools, mining machinery, rock-moving equipment and other stainless and high-alloy specialty steel products. The company operates 78 manufacturing facilities in 59 countries, including the plant in Mebane. Sandvik plans to expand the Mebane facility, which currently employs 160 people and specializes in manufacturing drilling and cutting tools.

Salaries for the 51 new positions will vary by job type, but the average annual wage will be $46,500 not including benefits, which is more than the Alamance County average annual wage of $33,436.

“Sandvik’s success in the Mebane area led to a decision to expand,” said company General Manager Jon Barber. “The current skilled workforce and the continued partnership with Alamance Community College providing future training and development needs stimulated this decision. Our expansion in Mebane is a reflection of the confidence and support Sandvik has in the area.”

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 35,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in investment have been created since 2001. All of these grants require local matches.

“I am proud of the cooperation between our state and local governments, the community college and local business leaders,” said state Sen. Tony Foriest (D-Alamance). “I will continue to work in the General Assembly for policies that encourage this kind of cooperation that provides quality jobs and makes our state attractive to businesses that want to grow and succeed.”

Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Alamance County, the City of Mebane, Piedmont Triad Partnership and Alamance Community College.

For more information about Sandvik Inc. including employment opportunities, go to: http://www.sandvik.com/.