A press release from Governor Michael F. Easley, released on September 6, 2005.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 80 NEW JOBS AND
$8 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR SURRY COUNTY
One North Carolina Fund Helps Poli-Twine Open First U.S. Facility

RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Poli-Twine Inc., a Canadian rope and twine manufacturer, is opening a factory in Pilot Mountain, creating 80 new jobs and investing $8 million in the area. The announcement was made possible in part by a $200,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

"I am pleased that Poli-Twine chose to locate is first U.S. facility in Surry County," Easley said. "These new jobs are a great boost to the local economy and are further proof that North Carolina, with its skilled workforce and low tax burden on companies, is one of the best places to do business around the globe."

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Ontario, Poli-Twine has become one of North America’s leading manufacturers of synthetic rope and twine products for the agricultural and industrial markets. The company will operate an 188,000-square-foot factory on the site of the former Wellington Leisure Products plant. The company plans to begin renovations at the plant on Oct. 1, and to be operational by February 2006. The average salary for the manufacturing positions will be $510 a week plus benefits, which is greater than the county average of $464, not including benefits.

"North Carolina was selected because of its central location to our markets, the availability of a skilled work force and the total commitment of local and state representatives to make this project happen," said Norm Grant, Poli-Twine’s executive vice president. "We have been very pleased with all the assistance we have received. We are looking forward to Pilot Mountain becoming the focal point for all our U.S. manufacturing and distribution."

The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in recruiting and expanding quality jobs by providing financial assistance to businesses or industries deemed by the governor to be vital to a healthy and growing state economy. Through the use of this Fund, more than 17,000 jobs and $2 billion in investment have been created since 2001.

For more information about possible job opportunities, contact the Employment Security Commission’s Mount Airy office at 336/786-4169, or for information about Poli-Twine, visit www.politwine.com.

For more information, visit the Governor's Home Page.