Two employers plan to create 118 new jobs in McDowell County, Governor Roy Cooper announced.
Baxter International, a global healthcare company, is expanding investments in its manufacturing facility in McDowell County. The company plans to add 90 jobs and invest more than $7.4 million at its Marion location.
Taylor Stave, LLC, a wood products supplier, will expand its manufacturing operations in McDowell County, adding 28 jobs over the coming three years. The company plans to invest $395,000 at its Nebo facility.
“Businesses big and small, global and local, thrive in North Carolina, and we’re here to celebrate both today,” said Gov. Cooper.
Governor Cooper announced the new jobs at Baxter’s facility in Marion, where he was joined by leaders of Baxter and Taylor Stave as well as Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland and local officials.
“North Carolina offers manufacturers of all sizes the right ingredients for success,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Copeland. “From the state’s focus on workforce training to factors such as our transportation network, manufacturers serving many industries do well here.”
Baxter
Baxter develops, manufactures, and markets a broad portfolio of renal and hospital products, therapies and technologies. Baxter’s facility in Marion, originally opened in 1972, manufactures products used throughout the United States and in 57 different countries around the world.
“North Carolina is proud to lead the nation in biomanufacturing,” Governor Cooper said. “We’re pleased Baxter recognizes that North Carolina’s people, resources and business climate make it the ideal place to continue to grow.”
While compensation will vary by position, average salaries for the new jobs will be $45,556, above the current average annual wage in McDowell County of $33,057.
A performance-based grant of $1,000,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Baxter’s expansion in McDowell County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance in support of local government efforts to attract economic investment and create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants are contingent upon a local government match.
“We are grateful for the support of county and state officials,” said Jon Rushford, Baxter’s vice president of Operations, North Cove. “Together we are investing and creating economic opportunity in our community that will support Baxter’s commitment to making lifesaving and life-sustaining healthcare products.”
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority, the North Carolina Community College System, McDowell County and the McDowell Economic Development Association.
“Baxter is a major regional employer in our area," said N.C. Representative Josh Dobson. "We welcome this additional vote of confidence in our workers and our region."
Taylor Stave
Taylor Stave manufacturers components for wood barrels used to age wine or whiskey. The company’s expertise with American White Oak, a wood species valued by wine and spirits producers, has increased demand for its products. Taylor Stave will hire production operators and technical staff with an annual payroll of $872,000.
“North Carolina workers enjoy a reputation for hard work and dedication, and we welcome the additional skilled jobs Taylor Stave is creating in McDowell County,” Gov. Cooper said.
A performance-based grant of $84,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Taylor Stave’s expansion in Nebo. “Our products are in demand and used in more than 80 countries around the world,” said Rick Taylor, owner of Taylor Stave. “This expansion will help us meet this demand globally and enable us to purchase White Oak logs locally, benefiting our local logging industry economy in a large way.”
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the EDPNC, other key partners in the Taylor Stave project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, McDowell County and the McDowell Economic Development Association.