Global technology group Oerlikon will invest $62 million to establish a manufacturing hub in Mecklenburg County that will create 93 new jobs during the next five years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.
“North Carolina is a leader in advanced manufacturing and these are the kinds of skilled, high-paying jobs we want to bring to our state,” Governor Cooper said. “A talented workforce, excellent access to markets and a competitive business climate make our state a top destination for global manufacturers.”
Oerlikon is headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland. The company has been in business for more than 100 years and is a leader in surface solutions, advanced materials and materials processing. It has a global footprint of more than 13,500 employees at more than 170 locations in 37 countries. It serves customers in the automotive, aerospace, energy, medical and other industries.
Oerlikon’s Charlotte facility will be the company’s first additive manufacturing facility in the U.S. and will provide end-to-end advanced component manufacturing and house extensive research and development and production teams. The facility will showcase an integrated approach to the design and manufacture of advanced components to Oerlikon’s customers.
Oerlikon will hire engineers, R&D staff and skilled craftsmen for its North Carolina facility. While compensation will vary by position, annual salaries for the new jobs will average $93,011. Mecklenburg County’s overall wages currently average $62,741 per year.
“This investment in North Carolina marks an important step in our plans to become a leading service provider for the fast-expanding additive manufacturing market. I would like to thank the North Carolina Business Development Program for their support, and we look forward to becoming part of this community,” said Dr. Roland Fischer, Oerlikon CEO.
Helping facilitate Oerlikon’s arrival in North Carolina was a performance-based grant of up to $1 million from the One North Carolina Fund. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance in support of local governments in creating jobs and attracting economic investment. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants are contingent upon a local government match.
“Oerlikon is the ideal fit for the Charlotte region’s economy and business community,” said N.C. Senator Jeff Tarte. “I look forward to supporting this innovative global company as it builds out its presence in North Carolina.”
“We welcome Oerlikon with open arms and appreciate the job opportunities it brings to Charlotte,” said N.C. Representative Chaz Beasley. “I am proud of the way our local, regional and state economic development organizations worked together to bring this prestigious international company to our community.”
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and EDPNC, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Mecklenburg County, the Town of Huntersville, the Charlotte Regional Partnership, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Norman Economic Development Corporation.