Michael Aram, Inc., an internationally renowned luxury design company offering a wide range of craft-based jewelry, tabletop and home furnishings, will create 118 jobs as it relocates a logistics center to Wayne County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest nearly $5.7 million in the facility, to be located in Goldsboro.
“North Carolina has a natural appeal to retailers and manufacturers, becoming hubs for a growing number of the nation’s top brands,” said Governor Cooper. “Companies like Michael Aram see the opportunities in our state and Goldsboro is ready to go to work with this company.”
Michael Aram, Inc., founded by award-winning artist Michael Aram, is a privately held company that creates beautiful and distinctive objects. Mr. Aram is most recognized for his signature gift and tabletop offerings in metal. However, he also designs and produces large-scale sculptures, furniture, lighting, home fragrance, textiles, porcelain, and fine jewelry. Aram splits his time between his workshop in India and his New York City studio. Aram’s work is sold in over 60 countries through his Los Angeles and New York City flagship stores, as well as department stores and specialty retailers.
“Relocating our operations to Goldsboro is both a point of pride and a testament to the strong economic opportunity of North Carolina,” said Michael Aram, Founder and Creative Director. “We’re excited for this new chapter in our company’s history and are grateful that the state is making tremendous efforts to attract national businesses, such as ours, that will contribute to rural communities and their economic success. We couldn't be happier to be a part of the economic redevelopment of Goldsboro. Already, we’re seeing how profoundly knowledgeable and hardworking the local community is.”
“Companies that seek efficient and convenient access to their customers find North Carolina an ideal location to build a distribution hub,” said North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. Copeland. “In addition to our natural geographic advantages, our state’s workforce is known for its dependability and commitment to hard work. I look forward to seeing how our people will help this company reach new heights in our state.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s support for the company during its site evaluation and decision-making process.
Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position but the average annual wage will be $35,620, in line with the Wayne County average annual wage of $35,485.
A performance-based grant of $200,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Michael Aram, Inc.’s new operation in North Carolina. 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 and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
The company will also benefit from a grant recently awarded by the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority. This grant, formally awarded to Wayne County on October 17, will support the reuse of a 234,972-square-foot building in Goldsboro.
“Michael Aram’s selection of Goldsboro and Wayne County brings a world-class brand to our region,” said N.C. Senator Jim Perry. “We welcome this new, high-profile facility and will work with the company and its employees as they grow.”
“Michael Aram and his company have made a strong vote of confidence in North Carolina and Wayne County,” said N.C. Representative Raymond Smith. “It’s wonderful to see another company decide that our state is a great place to do business.”
In addition to North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority, Duke Energy, North Carolina’s Southeast, Wayne County, the City of Goldsboro, and the Wayne County Development Alliance.