Two Manufacturing Plant Expansions Announced in McDowell County, NC
Two manufacturing companies announced expansions in McDowell County, North Carolina. A global health care company and a wood products supplier are expanding their manufacturing operations in McDowell County and plan to create 118 new jobs.
Baxter International, which manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of renal and hospital products, therapies and technologies, is investing $7.4 million at its Marion manufacturing facility, where it will add 90 jobs. The plant opened in 1972 and now makes products used throughout the United States and in 57 different countries. The average salary for the new jobs will be $45,556, above the $33,057 average in McDowell County.
“North Carolina is proud to lead the nation in biomanufacturing,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “We’re pleased Baxter recognizes that North Carolina’s people, resources and business climate make it the ideal place to continue to grow.”
Taylor Stave, which manufactures components for wood barrels used to age wine or whiskey, is investing $395,000 at its Nebo facility and adding 28 jobs over the next three years. The company’s expertise with American white oak, which is valued by wine and spirits producers, has increased demand for its products. Taylor Stave will hire production operators and technical staff with an annual payroll of $872,000.
“Our products are in demand and used in more than 80 countries around the world,” said Rick Taylor, owner of Taylor Stave. “This expansion will help us meet this demand globally and enable us to purchase white oak logs locally, benefiting our local logging industry economy in a large way.”
Cooper announced both expansions at Baxter’s facility in Marion, where he was joined by state Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland and company and local officials.
“North Carolina offers manufacturers of all sizes the right ingredients for success,” Copeland said. “From the state’s focus on workforce training to factors such as our transportation network, manufacturers serving many industries do well here.”
Grants were key parts of each expansion. A performance-based grant of $1 million from the One North Carolina Fund will support Baxter’s expansion in McDowell County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance in support of local government efforts to attract economic investment and create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants are contingent upon a local government match. An $84,000 One NC grant will support Taylor Stave’s expansion in Nebo.
