All Work is Honorable | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

   Publisher's note: Here below are two Governor McCroy press releases regarding new manufacturing jobs and statewide vocational education - something I have, in my capacity as a county commissioner, pushed for decades. This is good news.

Packaging Manufacturer to Create 41 Jobs in Guilford County
    Raleigh, N.C.     Today, Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that North State Flexibles, a manufacturer of flexible packaging products, will expand its facility in Guilford County. The company plans to create 41 jobs and invest more than $4.4 million over the next three years in Greensboro.

    "It's good news when existing companies choose to reinvest and grow in our state," said Governor McCrory. "Manufacturers like North State Flexibles recognize North Carolina is going to update its economic development brand and work with them, not against them."

    North State Flexibles, a subsidiary of St. Johns Packaging, produces flexible packaging products to consumer product companies in the food and personal care markets. The company currently employs more than 120 people at its Guilford County facility.

    "North Carolina has a proud manufacturing heritage," said Sharon Decker, N.C. Secretary of Commerce. "Helping our state's manufacturing industry grow is an important part of our overall economic development strategy."

    Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual payroll for the new jobs will be more than $1.3 million.

    "This support of our Capital Expansion by the State of North Carolina, as well as the City and County Governments, compliments a local workforce that is productive and a primary reason for our success and investment," said Tim Mages, General Manger of North State Flexibles. "We are excited about the additional jobs that this expansion will create, and how this investment in people and capital supports our long term growth with major Consumer Product Companies across North America."

    The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $61,500. 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 am very excited about North State Flexibles expanding in Guilford County," said Rep. Marcus Brandon. "Tim Mages, the general manager, has realized what many other businesses know: that the Triad area is open and ready for business. We applaud him and his team for their commitment to the Triad and the great state of North Carolina."

    Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Guilford County, Greensboro Economic Development Alliance and the City of Greensboro.

    Contact: Crystal Feldman     govpress@nc.gov


Local leaders show support for vocational education bill By Ashley Withers with Wilmington Star-News
    A bill that will create new high school graduation requirements focused on vocational training seems to have a lot of support among local leaders.
   
    At the New Hanover County local officials caucus Monday, state Reps. Rick Catlin and Ted Davis Jr., both Republicans, spoke in favor of the legislation.

    "Being on a community college board for as long as I was, I know how important it is to provide an education for those individuals who aren't going to attend a four-year school...I think it's extremely important," Davis said. "...I was very happy to see this bill go through as a bipartisan effort."

    ...

    Read more here .

    Contact: Crystal Feldman     govpress@nc.gov