CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Manufacturing company Electrolux is the largest company to relocate its headquarters to Charlotte in 25 years and it's bringing with it 738 jobs.
At the Chamber of Commerce announcement Wednesday, CEO Kevin Scott told the crowd, "This is not your grandmother's vacuum cleaning company."
Electrolux is best known for making vacuum cleaners, washers and dryers, and kitchen appliances for home and commercial uses.
The company is probably most recognized these days for their prominent Kelly Ripa commercials. She's regularly seen touting the sleek appliances that generate $15 billion worldwide in sales.
Gov. Bev Perdue came to Charlotte to help make the announcement.
"This is a big day. This is a big company," she said.
The company will start moving people from Augusta, Ga., to Charlotte next summer.
The CEO doesn't want to say exactly how many people will move with the company and how many positions will be up for grabs, instead saying that's still a work in progress.
"I would prefer to say we are really working on it," Scott said.
He did talk about the company's plans to contribute to the community.
"It is important to us to be a responsible member of the community," Scott said.
Chamber President Bob Morgan said that is what bringing company headquarters to the region is all about.
"You're talking about decision makers who have the power to allocate the resources," Morgan said.
Electrolux's CEO says they chose Charlotte for a number of reasons. He mentioned the area's culture, sports scene, quality of life and workforce. A major factor was easy access to an international airport with an airline hub.
Electrolux is expected to hire in Charlotte beginning this time next year.
Electrolux will be taking over Fifth-Third Bank's current building in the university area.
That bank is finally ready to move uptown. Fifth-Third's CEO told NewsChannel 36 that his company is consolidating several offices across Charlotte and moving 170 people.
"They'll become part of the local economy. We're very excited to become part of the uptown scene," said CEO Bob James.
Fifth-Third Bank is looking for a space of about 100,000 square-feet and plans to make an announcement in about three weeks.
For more information about Electrolux, including job opportunities, visit http://electrolux.com/career_opportunities.aspx.
