Nuclear Energy Company Expanding in Mecklenburg County with North American Headquarters Relocation

, N.C. -- Today, Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that AREVA, the largest technical resource for the nation’s nuclear energy sector, will expand its operations in Charlotte to include its North American headquarters. The company plans to create 130 jobs in North Carolina by the end of 2016 and invest $404,000 into its Mecklenburg County location.
 
“We are working to make our state the very best place to live and do business,” said Governor McCrory. “Businesses have choices, and we are proud that AREVA has chosen North Carolina for its headquarters.”
 
With a Charlotte presence established in 2002, AREVA provides its customers with solutions for low-carbon power generation in North America and around the world. With global headquarters in France, AREVA is a leader in nuclear energy and a significant, growing player in the renewable energies sector.  AREVA combines U.S. and Canadian leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. 
 
“The North Carolina Department of Commerce is committed to working with existing companies to spur job creation and growth,” said Sharon Decker, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce. “We congratulate AREVA for its success and for investing in North Carolina once again.”
 
AREVA currently employs 562 people in Charlotte and another 78 at its Columbiana Hi Tech subsidiary located in Greensboro. The company plans to expand its current operations in Charlotte to include its North American headquarters. AREVA will use the headquarters location as a platform for hiring additional engineers and other staff who will provide services to support key projects and initiatives.  
 
“AREVA has taken the lead in the U.S. nuclear sector by investing millions to create domestic industrial capacity, which provides a tremendous boost to American energy infrastructure and the U.S. economy,” said Michael W. Rencheck, CEO of AREVA. “North Carolina is a great place to do business because of its quality of life, extensive business infrastructure, investments in workforce development and commitment to forming partnerships with industry.”  
Compensation will vary by job function, but the average compensation for the new positions is expected to be more than $130,000 plus benefits. The average annual wage in Mecklenburg County is $57,144.
 
“AREVA’s decision to expand its operations strengthens Charlotte’s position as a leading hub for the energy sector,” said Sen. Malcolm Graham. “We must continue to support this growing part of North Carolina’s economy through investments in education, job training programs and infrastructure.”
 
The project was made possible in part by an award from the state Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program.  Receipt of the award is based on proof of job creation and other performance requirements. Today, the state Economic Investment Committee voted to award a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) to AREVA. JDIGs are awarded only to new and expanding businesses and industrial projects whose benefits exceed the costs to the state and which would not be undertaken in North Carolina without the grant. 
 
Under the terms of the company’s JDIG award, AREVA is eligible to receive up to nine annual grants equal to 65 percent of the state personal income tax withholdings from the eligible new jobs created since the date of the initial award. Receipt of each annual grant is based on state-certified proof that the company has fulfilled incremental job creation and capital investment requirements.  Over nine years, the JDIG award could yield aggregate benefits to AREVA of up to $2.5 million. 
 
In addition, up to $851,000 in additional funds from the company’s JDIG award could be added to the state’s Utility Fund for infrastructure improvements in economically distressed counties. When a JDIG is awarded to a company whose site is located in the state’s more economically prosperous counties such as Mecklenburg, 25 percent of the company’s grant is allocated to the Utility Fund to encourage economic development in less prosperous counties. For more information on the county tier designations, visit: http://www.nccommerce.com/research-publications/incentive-reports/count….
 
Other partners who assisted with this announcement include: The N.C. Department of Commerce, Mecklenburg County, City of Charlotte, the Charlotte Chamber and Duke Energy.
 
For more information about AREVA, including job opportunities, visit: us.areva.com.