Appliance maker Electrolux announced plans Friday to create more than 800 additional jobs over the next four years in Charlotte as it expands next to its North American headquarters. And a good number of those positions will be in information technology.
Positions will be added in research and development, marketing, design, engineering, supply chain, finance, IT and executive management, the company says.
Gov. Pat McCrory and Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker joined Electrolux Major Appliances North America CEO Jack Truong to announce construction of a new six-floor, 375,000 square-foot facility for marketing, research and development and other company operations.
McCrory’s office said the company plans to invest $85 million in Mecklenburg County and create jobs by the end of 2017 with average annual compensation of about $100,000.
About half of the Swedish company’s nearly 1,500 current North Carolina employees work at the headquarters, which came to Charlotte in 2010 from Georgia. The company also operates a dishwasher manufacturing facility in Kinston and parts distribution center in Henderson County.
“This announcement helps solidify our position as a state with a skilled workforce and strong business climate, and a place where global companies operate their North American headquarters with much success,” McCrory said in a news release.
A state committee agreed earlier Friday to award a maximum of more than $27 million in cash grants to Electrolux over 12 years if they meet investment and job creation requirements. The Job Development Investment Grants are based on a percentage of the personal income tax withholdings generated from qualifying jobs.
Under the terms of the agreement released by the Commerce Department, Electrolux must create at least 412 jobs by the end of 2015, rising to 648 jobs by the end of 2017, to continue receiving grants. The company also must invest at least $76.5 million by the end of 2016, the agreement said.
Electrolux, with 58,000 employees worldwide, builds and sells refrigerators, vacuum cleaners and others products under brands such as Electrolux, Frigidaire and Kelvinator.
“Electrolux is committed to bringing innovative solutions to consumers and to advanced manufacturing,” Truong said. “As a leader in appliance R&D, innovation and beautiful design, we’re excited about what this new expansion means for the future of our business and that our continued investment in Charlotte will help bring jobs and drive economic growth.”
The company will build a six-floor structure adjacent to its current headquarters. It will cover 375,000 square feet.
“The $85 million investment will have an immediate impact on the local economy — beginning in January — as we engage local architects, designers and construction-related vendors and will last throughout the next two years as we build our second facility,” Truong said.
