Weitron, Inc., a packager and distributor of refrigerant gases, has selected Martin County for a new production facility, creating 31 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $12.8 million in a plant in Everetts.
“Companies far and wide know that rural North Carolina provides great business locations,” Governor Cooper said. “There’s no better endorsement of North Carolina’s many advantages than a growing business like Weitron deciding to invest in our state and our people.”
Weitron is a worldwide supplier of refrigerant for a number of industries, including automotive, residential and commercial air conditioning applications. The company, headquartered in Newark, Delaware is working to meet growing demand for new refrigerant formulas with less environmental impact than legacy options.
“From the state’s workforce training programs to our superior transportation infrastructure, North Carolina offers companies everything they need to succeed,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. were instrumental in supporting the company’s investment decision.
While compensation will vary by position, average salaries for the new jobs will be $32,839, above the current average annual wage in Martin County of $28,287.
“Weitron considered several options,” said Deborah Dayton, President of Weitron. “North Carolina fit all of our strategic goals. Its workforce will allow us to provide quality products and we can get products to our customers in a timely manner given the location and transportation resources.” Ryan Carpenter, VP of Operations, added, “It is a high priority for us to provide the next generation of environmentally friendly refrigerants. We will have this facility up and running shortly.”
A performance-based grant of $90,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Weitron’s expansion in Martin 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.
“We welcome Weitron’s decision to locate in Everetts,” said N.C. Senator Erica Smith-Ingram. “These new jobs and the additional capital investment will bring new opportunities to our region.”
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, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Golden Leaf Foundation, the North Carolina Railroad Company, CSX Transportation, NCEast Alliance, Edgecombe-Martin Electric Membership Corporation, the Martin County Committee of 100, Martin County, and the Martin County Economic Development Corporation.