Amada North America, Inc., a manufacturer of precision sheet metal fabricating equipment, will develop a new product line in Guilford County creating 201 new jobs over the next five years, Governor Roy Cooper announced. Amada will invest $87 million in a facility in High Point that will manufacture and assemble a line of high-precision press break bending equipment for the U.S. market.
“Manufacturers choose North Carolina because of our existing skilled workforce and our commitment to training the workforce they’ll need in the future,” said Governor Cooper. “I join Guilford County and High Point communities in welcoming Amada’s new facility and the opportunities it will bring.”
Amada manufactures, sells and services a line of precision sheet metal fabricating equipment, including punch presses, lasers, press brakes, and flexible manufacturing systems, software and tooling. The company plans to purchase enough land to allow for a second facility at the same site in the future. Amada was established in Seattle, Washington in 1971 and has been located in California since 1973. Its company headquarters are located in Buena Park, California.
“Amada is excited to join the High Point, Guilford County business community” said Yukihiro Fukui CEO at Amada North America Inc. “We wish to thank the State of North Carolina, the NC Department of Commerce and the EDPNC, as well as the city of High Point, Guilford County, the High Point Economic Development Corporation, and ElectriCities, for their assistance in bringing this project to fruition. Amada believes success comes from listening to the voice of our customers, and locating our newest facility in this area allows us to be close to our customer base in the Southeast. We look forward to being an active, involved corporate citizen moving forward. “
“North Carolina has the workforce, infrastructure, sites and business climate that manufacturers need to succeed,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Amada has big plans for this project, and I look forward to working with them as they grow in Guilford County.”
Salaries will vary by position. Once all positions are filled, the average annual salary will be $37,721.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company’s expansion decision.
A performance-based grant of $200,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Amada’s facility in North Carolina. 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.
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, City of High Point, Guilford County, the Guilford County Workforce Development Board, the High Point Economic Development Corporation, Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, and the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.