Governor Pat McCrory, N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla III and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. announced Blue Bloodhound, LP is establishing operations in Catawba County and plans to create 191 new jobs over the next three years. The company plans to invest $400,000 in the city of Hickory over the same period.
“When companies such as Blue Bloodhound make the decision to locate in North Carolina, it furthers our quest to become the technology center of the Southeast,” said Governor McCrory. “This is a cutting-edge company with exciting new technology to help the nation’s trucking industry be more efficient.”
Blue Bloodhound, LP has developed proprietary software that will assist truck drivers with maintaining safety records, remind them of renewal deadlines, and locate job opportunities for Class A and B drivers.
“The trucking industry is a vital part of the economy both here in North Carolina and across the country,” said Secretary Skvarla. “Blue Bloodhound has developed a great tool to increase the efficiency of the industry. I am glad the company will be calling North Carolina its home.”
Salaries will vary by job but will include customer service representatives, accounting and marketing. The average annual salary of the new jobs will be $46,368; the average for Catawba County is $36,770.
“It became a very easy decision to set up operations in North Carolina, and we are extremely appreciative to the State, the city of Hickory, and Catawba County for seeing the value and opportunity in Blue Bloodhound”, said COO Todd Warner. “We look forward to not only helping the transportation industry, but also in assisting the economic and technological growth of the area.”
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $305,600. 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. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
In addition, the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority has awarded the City of Hickory a Building Reuse Program grant in the amount of $259,400 to support the reuse of the historic Moretz Mills building located at 74 8th Street in Hickory. The building was constructed in 1929. Blue Bloodhound will lease the second floor space that has been vacant for three years.
“These new jobs will be an incredible boost to Catawba County’s economy,” said Senator Andy Wells. “I look forward to seeing this company grow here in North Carolina.”
“This is exciting news for Catawba County and our region,” said Representative Mitchell Setzer. “This is a great addition to our corporate community.”
In addition to N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C., other partners that helped with this project include North Carolina Community College System, Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, Catawba County and the City of Hickory.