VEKA has chosen Burke County for its fourth North American facility, creating 102 full-time jobs over five years, Governor Roy Cooper announced. The company, a leader in vinyl window profile systems and supplier of fence, deck and rail products, will invest $18 million with this project.
“North Carolina continues to be the top choice for manufacturers looking to grow,” Governor Cooper said. “VEKA chose North Carolina for its east coast expansion because they know our prime location, top-rated business climate and talented workforce will ensure success.”
VEKA is based in Germany and is the world’s largest extruder of PVC window and door profiles as well as PVC fence, deck and rail profiles. It employs more than 5,000 skilled personnel and serves customers worldwide in more than 30 countries. VEKA has U.S. facilities in Pennsylvania (VEKA Inc./North American headquarters), Texas (VEKA South) and Nevada (VEKA West). The facility in Morganton will operate as VEKA East.
“VEKA is a global manufacturing leader that could go anywhere, but chose North Carolina,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “I welcome VEKA’s expansion here and look forward to working together to support manufacturing in our state.”
The new location will accommodate up to 30 extrusion lines and will include manufacturing support, value added services, offices and a warehouse. Operations are expected to start in the second half of 2018. Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position but will average $34,412 annually.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company’s expansion decision.
“North Carolina was a perfect location choice for us,” Joe Peilert, VEKA’s North American President commented. “The state offers a great business climate, is strategically located to support our customer growth and takes advantage of U.S. population and migration trends. The cooperation with the North Carolina business development team was excellent. The city of Morganton has welcomed us with open arms, and we are excited to join this great community as a new neighbor.”
A performance-based grant of $500,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate VEKA’s expansion in Burke County. The One N.C. Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“VEKA is bringing 102 new jobs and a significant capital investment to Morganton,” said N.C. Senator Warren Daniel. “The people of Morganton and Burke County look forward to working with VEKA to make this project a great success.”
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the City of Morganton, Burke County, and Burke Development, Inc.