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Local Tech Wire

FRANKLINTON, N.C. – , a developer and manufacturer for enzymes to be used in biofuels, is receiving a $28.4 million tax credit from the Obama Administration.

The company, which bases its North American headquarters in Franklinton, says it will use the funds toward construction of an enzyme manufacturing facility in Blair, Neb., some 25 miles from Omaha.

The project is expected to create 100 jobs and should be operational by 2012.

Novozymes expects to invest between $160 million and $200 million in the facility which it says is double the original investment plans. Additional capacity is needed ir order to be able to meet growing demand. the company said in a statement.

“We expect strong growth for first and second generation fuel ethanol, and we have to be ready to deliver the required quantities of enzymes to support such growth. We are therefore building a much larger production plant than initially announced”, said Lars Hansen, president of Novozymes’ European operations and former president of its North America group.

Durham-based Cree (Nasdaq: CREE) and several South Carolina firms also received the tax credits that were announced on Friday.

“We believe our selection for this tax credit is a reflection of the tremendous potential of advanced biofuels to create green jobs and contribute to meaningful reduction of greenhouse gases in the near-term,” said Adam Monroe, president of Novozymes North America, in a statement.

The tax credits are part of an effort to expand the “green” job sector.

Novozymes’ credit is contingent upon the production of biofuels.

President Barack Obama announced Friday that the money comes from last year’s federal stimulus package.

Cree Inc. will get $39 million to boost production of high efficiency lighting.

Four South Carolina firms will also get green-jobs tax credits.

General Electric gets $27 million to manufacture heavy-duty gas turbines in Greenville, S.C., while Tindall Corp. will get $17 million to make precast concrete bases for wind turbines at its Spartanburg, S.C., plant.

Itron Inc. in West Union, S.C., will get $5 million to produce a meter needed for smart electrical grids, and Conway, S.C.,-based

Metglas Inc. will get $5 million to increase production of efficient electrical transformers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.