Agriculture equipment distributor LS Tractor USA will expand operations in Nash County, creating 31 jobs over five years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $11.5 million to add employees and upgrade offices and facilities in Battleboro.
“Nash County is a wonderful place to live, work and do business, and I’m pleased that LS Tractor USA has decided to keep growing right here,” said Governor Cooper, a Nash County native. “North Carolina’s exceptional workforce, business climate, and commitment to education encourage companies to expand in our state time and again.”
LS Tractor USA sells and distributes tractors and agricultural equipment produced by LS Mtron, a corporation based in South Korea. LS Tractor’s corporate headquarters and primary facility is in Battleboro. The company also has contract facilities in Louisiana, California and Illinois. The company sells equipment through a dealer network of locations through the U.S. and Canada.
“LS Tractor USA has been doing business in our state for nearly ten years,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Their positive experiences here drove them to expand in North Carolina.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company’s expansion decision.
“Since 2009, LS Tractor USA has become part of North Carolina and has experienced very successful growth based on collaboration with the North Carolina government and Nash County,” said Joey Sim, Director of Sales and Marketing at LS Tractor USA. “LS Mtron (Parent Company of LS Tractor USA) has very strong confidence in our continuous growth and our relationship with the local community, which make them willing to increase business and investment for the future here.”
Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position but will average $44,252. The average wage in Nash County is $38,105.
A performance-based grant of $60,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate LS Tractor’s expansion in Nash 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.
“LS Tractor’s expansion in Battleboro is a testament to our people, our community colleges and our business climate,” said N.C. Representative Bobbie Richardson. “I congratulate LS Tractor on advancing into a new phase as a company.”
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the N.C. General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Nash County and the Carolinas Gateway Partnership.