GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 29 JOBS IN ROWAN COUNTY
One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Wind Tunnel eXtreme open In Salisbury 

RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Wind Tunnel eXtreme, an automotive research and development firm, will open a facility in Salisbury, creating 29 jobs and investing $60 million during the next three years.  The announcement was made possible in part by a $30,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

“Wind Tunnel eXtreme’s new facility in Rowan County will be an important addition to North Carolina’s motorsports industry,” Easley said.  “Motorsports is a growing area of the state’s economy, contributing $6 billion annually.”

Wind Tunnel eXtreme is a research and development group that tests and designs aerodynamic features for automobiles.  The company will also provide aerodynamic testing and validation services.  While wages will vary by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $1,515 plus benefits, which is more than the Rowan County average weekly wage of $611, not including benefits.

“Wind Tunnel eXtreme, LLC chose North Carolina for the site of its operations because of its proximity to the center of automobile racing,” said Don Babb, Wind Tunnel eXtreme’s CEO.  “The Charlotte area has all of the elements we were looking for: a home base for NASCAR, a major international airport and the availability of a highly qualified workforce.”

The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state.  One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon a local match. Through the use of this Fund, more than 28,000 jobs and $4 billion in investment have been created since 2001.

“North Carolina is providing opportunities to increase the presence of motorsports related companies in our state,” said state Rep. Lorene Coates (D-Rowan).  “As vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, I will continue to work for policies that help these firms grow and succeed.”

Other partners who helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Rowan County, the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission and Duke Energy.  For more information about the company and employment opportunities, contact don.babb@windtunnelextreme.com.