GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS GROUP TO ADD 140 JOBS
One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Bring $10.6 Million Investment to Stanly, Montgomery Counties

RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced that International Automotive Components Group North America Inc., an international manufacturer of vehicle interior systems, including carpet and trunk liners, will add workers in Stanly and Montgomery counties.  The addition, which will create a total of 140 jobs during three years and represents a company investment of nearly $10.6 million at plants in Albemarle and Troy, was made possible in part by a $280,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

“North Carolina ranks among the nation’s largest auto parts manufacturers with more than 1,000 auto industry companies located in the state, including International Automotive Components,” said Easley.  “Our success with this industry is due in part to our skilled manufacturing workforce as well as our world-class technology and educational facilities.”

International Automotive Components, based in Dearborn, Mich., is a global supplier of interior products including instrument panels, door panels, headliners, carpet and acoustic systems, cockpits and exterior components.  IAC Group operates manufacturing plants in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia.

The company currently employs 1,112 workers at four facilities in Stanly, Montgomery and McDowell counties.  Of the 140 new jobs, 128 will be in Stanly County at its Albemarle facility, and 12 will be in Troy in Montgomery County.  Pay for the new jobs will vary by function, but the average annual wage will be more than $28,600 not including benefits, which is more than the Stanly County average annual wage of $27,508 and the Montgomery County average annual wage of $28,392.

“We are pleased the One North Carolina Fund is doing its part to constantly improve North Carolina’s competitive position, an effort that is helping global companies like IAC keep roots planted firmly in North Carolina,” said Jim Kamickas, IAC North America President and CEO,

“This company’s investment underscores the strength of our workforce and the opportunities of living and doing business in our part of the state,” said State Sen. William R. Purcell (D-Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly), who is a member of the Senate’s Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

“IAC has chosen to grow with us as a result of the policies our state has developed for education and to provide a skilled workforce,” said state Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin (D-Montgomery, Richmond).

The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance 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 local matching funds.  Through the use of this fund, more than 28,000 jobs and $4 billion in investment have been created since 2001; to date, nearly half of all One NC grants have been awarded to North Carolina companies.

Stanly and Montgomery counties have worked with the company to add the jobs in both counties. The City of Albemarle and both counties collaborated on the grant’s required local match.  Other partners that helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Stanly County, Montgomery County and City of Albemarle. 

For more information about the company, including job opportunities, visit www.iacgroup.com.

 

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