CLAREMONT, N.C. — A company that produces vinyl siding for homes is expanding its operations in Catawba County, promising to invest millions into the community over the next few years.
Governor Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that Millwork & Panel LLC is set to create 48 new jobs in the city of Claremont, investing more than $14.3 million into the expansion over the course of three years. Cooper praised the expansion in a statement.
“North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and was rated the best state for business two years in a row,” said Governor Cooper. “Our diverse and highly skilled workforce has made it possible for manufacturers like Millwork & Panel to expand their operations and strengthen their investment in Catawba County.”
The governor's statement notes Millwork & Panel plans to add new state-of-the-art vinyl extrusion production lines, improve blending operations, and expand the capacity for vinyl siding. Joe Bondi, the company's president, said the expansion means they can improve their product to be even better.
“By enhancing our production capacity and upgrading key equipment to ensure quality and energy efficiency, we are reaffirming our commitment to provide top-quality vinyl siding materials to our customers,” he said.
Cooper's announcement said the average annual wage for the new positions averages to nearly $59,000. The average annual wage in Catawba County is just more than $52,000.
MIllwork & Panel received a performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund to help with the company's expansion in the state. Companies don't get the money upfront; rather, they have to meet job creation and capital investment targets, along with matching participation from local governments.