(The Center Square) – Prolec-GE Waukesha, Inc., which makes power transformers, plans a $140 million expansion in Goldsboro, and has been approved for a $4,696,000 state grant for the project which is projected to create 330 new jobs.
The Wisconsin-based company plans to to add a second plant in Goldsboro with the new jobs paying average salaries of $71,912, compared to the average wage in Wayne County of $46,211, according to a release.
“The new jobs and the investment into our county will bring economic growth and stability to Eastern North Carolina,” said state Sen. Buck Newton, R-Wilson, who represents the area. “The people of Wayne County will continue to support this company as it grows to its full potential insuring the equipment necessary to provide reliable energy is made in America. I am looking forward to witness the benefits this project will bring.”
Wayne County, in eastern North Carolina, has a population of about 120,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Its poverty rate is about 17.1%.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is located in Goldsboro, the county seat.
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The state job development grant for Prolec-GE Waukesha, Inc., will be distributed over 12 years, but only if the company the promised number of jobs.
“It is essential for government, industry, and community leaders to collaborate early and frequently to drive growth in the manufacturing sector,” Juan Ignacio Garza Herrera, Xignux CEO and Prolec GE Chairman, said in a statement. “This $140M investment reflects our long-term commitment to creating sustainable value for North America’s energy market and our pride in energizing life and society to contribute to a better world.”