Airgas USA, LLC will open a new facility in Alamance County that is expected to create 35 jobs over five years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases will invest approximately $47 million to open an air separation facility in Mebane capable of producing liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon.
“These good-paying jobs are coming to Alamance County because we have the talent and the resources needed to succeed,” said Governor Cooper. “New jobs and investment help us make North Carolina a place where people can become happier, healthier and have more money in their pockets.”
Airgas, Inc., an Air Liquide company, is the nation’s leading supplier of gases, welding equipment and supplies, and safety products. With more than one million customers, Airgas provides customers with industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding equipment and supplies, safety products, atmospheric gases, carbon dioxide, dry ice, nitrous oxide, ammonia and process chemicals. Airgas is headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania.
“This new facility from Airgas will bring significant capital investment of up to $47 million in Alamance County,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Airgas produces a broad array of products, and proximity to this facility could help attract other companies looking at Alamance County and surrounding areas.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company’s expansion decision.
“Airgas continues to expand its gas production and distribution capabilities throughout the U.S. and looks forward to meeting the growing needs of gas customers in the thriving North Carolina market,” said Pascal Vinet, Chief Executive Officer of Airgas and Air Liquide Executive Committee Vice President. “We look forward to working closely with the Mebane community and the state of North Carolina to bring new opportunities and growth for many years to come."
Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position with an initial annual estimated total payroll impact of $1,575,000. The average wage in Alamance County is $38,137.
A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Airgas’s new facility in Alamance 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.
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 City of Mebane, Alamance County, the Alamance Chamber of Commerce, Alamance County Economic Development Foundation and Duke Energy.