New York Air Brake Expanding NC Plant

New York Air Brake, a global manufacturer of innovative train control systems for the railroad industry, is expanding its Premtec division in Rowan County, adding 28 jobs and investing $1 million at the plant in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Over the long term, the company plans to add up to 40 jobs at the Premtec plant, which manufactures freight-car brake hoses and will be expanded to include peripheral product assembly and test testing.

New York Air Brake, based in Watertown, New York, has served the rail industry since 1890. The company offers freight and locomotive air brake control systems.

“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 company President and 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.”

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper recently announced the expansion. “North Carolina’s manufacturing workforce is unmatched in the Southeast,” he said. “Manufacturing companies like New York Air Brake recognize the role our hard-working people play in the success of their businesses.”

The new positions in Rowan County will provide a payroll impact approaching $1 million each year to the local economy.

The project is being supported by a $185,000 grant from the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority for building renovation and a $50,000 grant from the state’s One North Carolina Fund. 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.