Gov. Mike Easley announced that Dynapar Corp., an international supplier of automated equipment control devices, plans to expand its Elizabethtown plant, investing $1.5 million and adding 79 jobs during the next three years. The expansion was made possible in part by a $150,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“North Carolina is committed to encouraging growth and expansion in the manufacturing sector of our economy,” said Easley. “Our knowledge-based workforce, top-ranked business climate and exceptional quality of life continue to support employers in creating sustainable jobs to help our families thrive and prosper.”
Dynapar Corp., headquartered in Illinois, produces encoders, controllers and other automated equipment control devices for commercial and industrial equipment and motors. Dynapar currently has manufacturing operations in South Carolina and Elizabethtown, N.C., and plans to consolidate operations to Elizabethtown.
Salaries for the 79 new positions will vary by job type, but the average annual wage is expected to be significantly higher than the Bladen County average annual wage of $25,272.
“The Elizabethtown plant has been a part of the community for over 40 years. It is great to have the support of the state and local government as we expand our operations here,” said Ken Verhulst, vice president of operations for Dynapar.
The One North Carolina Fund provides financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Through the use of the One North Carolina Fund, more than 35,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in investment have been created since 2001. All of these grants require local matches.
Other partners who helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Bladen County and the City of Elizabethtown.