New York Air Brake, LLC (NYAB), a global manufacturer of innovative train control systems for the railroad industry, will expand operations at its Premtec Division in Rowan County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to create 28 jobs and invest over $1 million in its plant in Salisbury in conjunction with a grant from the state’s One North Carolina Fund. Long term, the company intends to add as many as 40 jobs at the facility.
“North Carolina’s manufacturing workforce is unmatched in the Southeast,” Governor Cooper said. “Manufacturing companies like New York Air Brake recognize the role our hard-working people play in the success of their businesses.”
New York Air Brake, with headquarters in Watertown, New York, has served the rail industry since 1890. The company offers freight & locomotive air brake control systems. The Premtec Division, located in Rowan County, currently houses NYAB’s freight car brake hose manufacturing and will be expanded to include peripheral product assembly and test functions.
“New York Air Brake and its Premtec Division is just the latest example of a North Carolina manufacturer choosing to expand in our state,” said Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Companies that are already doing business here clearly see the many advantages North Carolina offers.”
N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. were instrumental in supporting the company’s investment decision.
The new positions in Rowan County will provide a payroll impact approaching $1 million each year to the local economy.
“The decision to shift a portion of our product assembly from Watertown, New York to Salisbury is part of an overall strategic plan to align our manufacturing and operations in focused facilities,” said New York Air Brake President & CEO Mike Hawthorne. “Our Premtec Division already has manufacturing, as well as low-complexity assembly and test, making it a natural fit for this portion of our business. In addition, the shift helps improve our proximity to our customers.”
A performance-based grant of $50,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate New York Air Brake’s expansion in Rowan County. The One NC 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.
“New York Air Brake’s decision to expand production is welcome news,” said N.C. Senator Tom McInnis. “We will see new opportunities open up as these jobs are created in our region.”
“Many partners in our community came together to support NYAB’s decision to expand in Rowan County,” said N.C. Representative Harry Warren. “We look forward to the many good things this company will bring to our area and congratulate all who have worked together to make this happen.”
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Duke Energy, Rowan County, and RowanWORKS.