Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that Ply Gem Industries, a manufacturer of building products, will expand its operations in Columbus County. The company plans to create 145 jobs and invest $15.5 million over the next three years in Fair Bluff.
“These new manufacturing jobs are a welcome and necessary step to improving the economy in Columbus County,” said Governor McCrory. “It’s always encouraging when a great corporate citizen like Ply Gem chooses to expand right here in North Carolina.”
Ply Gem, headquartered in Cary, is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. Ply Gem produces a comprehensive product line of vinyl siding, designer accents and PVC-trim, vinyl fencing and vinyl and composite railing, stone veneer and vinyl windows and doors used in both new construction and home repair and remodeling in the United States and Western Canada. Ply Gem currently employs over 100 people in North Carolina.
“North Carolina has the highly-skilled workforce that manufacturers need to compete in a global economy,” said Sharon Decker, N.C. Secretary of Commerce. “Ply Gem’s decision to grow in Columbus County will provide employment opportunities for an area that was hit hard by the recession.”
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual salaries for the new jobs will be $45,730, plus benefits. The Columbus County average annual wage is $31,605.
“Ply Gem is pleased to continue to expand our relationship with Columbus County and the Town of Fair Bluff,” said Gary Robinette, president and CEO of Ply Gem.
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $150,000. The grant is contingent upon proof of job creation and receipt of a local funding match. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.
“I appreciate the hard work of the North Carolina Commerce Department and Governor McCrory in bringing Ply Gem to Fair Bluff,” said Sen. Michael Walters. “This is an excellent opportunity for Columbus County.”
“On behalf of all of the citizens of Columbus County and the NC Southeast I am happy to welcome the expansion of the Ply Gem Plant that is located in Fair Bluff,” said Rep. Ken Waddell. “This much needed expansion will be vital to the continuing effort to provide jobs and economic growth to our area.”
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Columbus County, Town of Fair Bluff, North Carolina’s Southeast Regional Partnership, Columbus County Committee of 100, North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, N. C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, Columbus County Schools, and the Columbus County Economic Development Commission.