The state of North Carolina has awarded some $60 million in grants to aid planned expansions at Goodyear and Bridgestone/Firestone plants in that state.
The grants $30 million each over 10 years will help Goodyear upgrade its Fayetteville, N.C., plant and BFNAT’s Wilson, N.C., facility.
The Job Maintenance and Capital Development grants were awarded to the companies to help them retain their current work force levels. Combined, the plants employ some 4,000 people.
"The significant investment these companies will make will allow them to modernize their facilities while providing a strong economic contribution in areas of the state where they are very much needed," said State Commerce Secretary Jim Fain.
The grants gives companies incentives if it already employs at least 2,000 workers and agrees to invest $200 million in machinery and equipment over a six-year period. Average wages must remain 40 percent higher than the local average. (Courtesy of Tire Review)