GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES SUPERIOR MACHINE TO ADD 38 JOBS IN McDOWELL COUNTY
One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Bring $350,000 Investment To Marion

RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Superior Machine Company of S.C. Inc., a firm specializing in the steel and rock-crushing industries, will expand in McDowell County.  The expansion, which will create 38 jobs during the next three years and an investment of $350,000, was made possible in part by a $70,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

“This expansion of a long-standing McDowell County firm reflects the many benefits of doing business in our state,” said Easley.  “North Carolina provides the top-notch education system and workforce that help companies succeed and grow.”

Florence, S.C.-based Superior Machine Company operates two plants, one in Marion and the other in Florence, S.C.  The Marion plant, which currently employs 54 workers, is a large-capacity machining and heavy steel manufacturing facility that also specializes in repairing and manufacturing rock-crushing equipment.

The 38 new jobs will help meet an increased demand for scrap-melting equipment in the steel mill business.  Pay for these positions will vary by job function, but the average annual wage will be about  $32,400 not including benefits, which is more than the McDowell County average annual wage of $27,820.

“Superior Machine Company of S.C. Inc. is extremely happy and eager to expand in North Carolina and McDowell County.  We have had a presence here for over 70 years and obviously feel welcomed,” said E.L. “Woody” Cunningham, vice president and general manager of the company’s Marion division.  “All of the county and state officials have been more than helpful.  As the process moved forward, it was very apparent that these officials wanted the jobs and this investment for this area. We look forward to a prosperous and mutually rewarding relationship here in Marion.” 

Other partners that helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce and McDowell County.

“I am proud of the cooperation between the state and county in helping make this expansion possible,” said state Sen. Joe Sam Queen (D-McDowell, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey).  “I will continue to work in the state Senate for economic development policies that tell businesses that North Carolina is the place to grow.”

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 30,000 jobs and $4.5 billion in investment have been created since 2001; to date, nearly half of all One NC grants have been awarded to North Carolina companies.

For more information about the company including job opportunities, visit http://www.smco.net/.

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