GE-Hitachi Nuclear may invest $900 million and create 900 additional jobs at its facility near Wilmington, according to the Wilmington Star-News.
New Hanover county officials are expected to award the company $10 million in local incentives on Monday.
Meanwhile, the North Carolina Department of Commerce recently announced a meeting today of the committee that must approve state job incentives. Howver, the only announcement made was for an incentive package to RF Micro for the addition of jobs in the Triad and Mooresville.
Asked about the possibility of incentives for GE-Hitachi, a Department of Commerce spokesperson said she could not comment.
The Wilmington newspaper broke the story about the proposed expansion on September 21. The News & Observer in Raleigh reported a similar story on Friday.
"Wilmington is a great place," Andy White, CEO of GE-Hitachi Nuclear, said in a written statement provided to the Wilmington paper. "We want to team up with the county to make this an attractive place to grow our business."
The expansion reflects the renewed interest in nuclear energy around the world. As concerns about global warming and prices of fossil fuels increase, governments and utility firms’ interest in alternative sources of energy.
In March, GE Energy opened a reactor technology design center in Castle Hayne. The 40,000-square foot facility was expected to add some 250 jobs.
“Our new advanced technology center will further enhance our ability to coordinate multiple reactor projects, both in the United States and around the world,” White said at the time. “It’s a key part of our strategy to have the most extensive and advanced engineering, design and production capabilities to meet customer requirements.”
GE Energy Nuclear moved its headquarters to Wilmington in 2003 with help from $11 million in state and local subsidies. Part of the deal was a commitment to create 400 jobs in seven years, Rumsey said.
GE surpassed that goal in 18 months, he added. The company should bring in another 200 to 300 jobs in the next 18 months, White said in March.
The GE-Hitachi facility is located in Castle Hayne. Nearly 3,000 people work on the campus, which also includes Global Nuclear Fuel (GE is a partner) and an airline engine plant that is operated by GE.
