Crystal Feldman
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that Pro Refrigeration Inc., a manufacturer of refrigeration systems, will expand its operations by locating a new East Coast production facility in Davie County.
Pro Refrigeration plans to create as many as 85 jobs over five years and invest $4.9 million to gain maximum benefits from performance-based incentives approved by the Davie County Economic Development Commission.
The project was also made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $75,000. The state grant will be based on the company creating 58 jobs and investing $3.6 million over the first three years of the project.
“Manufacturers like Pro Refrigeration know that my administration is committed to growing this important part of North Carolina’s economy,” said Governor McCrory. “We must continue to support manufacturing through our strategic investments in workforce development and infrastructure.”
Pro Refrigeration is a privately-held company that designs, manufactures and distributes state-of-the-art refrigeration systems for the dairy, winery, food processing, medical and craft brewing industries. The company currently has more than 50 employees operating from its headquarters in Washington State and sales office in Georgia.
“Manufacturing is an important part of our state’s brand,” said Sharon Decker, N.C. Secretary of Commerce. “We welcome Pro Refrigeration to North Carolina and wish them continued success in Davie County.”
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wages for the new jobs will be $38,296, plus benefits. The average annual wage in Davie County is $30,415.
“We spent much of the past year touring and researching different locations across the Southeast region. Pro has a great deal riding on this expansion, it is definitely one of the biggest moves we’ve undertaken,” said Jim VanderGiessen Jr, CEO of Pro Refrigeration. “The reasons for choosing Davie County were the skilled workforce, the business friendly environment, and the amazing support we’ve received from everyone here in Mocksville.”
The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.
“We are delighted that Pro Refrigeration’s East Coast production facility will soon call Davie County its home,” said Rep. Julia Howard. ”I believe that Pro Refrigeration will find that Davie County is worth every investment and will supply a skilled, dedicated, and energetic workforce.”
“Over the last session, the North Carolina General Assembly created the largest tax cut for businesses in the state’s history,” said Senator Andrew Brock. “Now, under the leadership of Governor Pat McCrory and his goal to rededicate state government to be customer-friendly and efficient, North Carolina will be known as a place where businesses come for a visit and stay for a lifetime.”
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Davie County Economic Development Commission, Davie County and the Town of Mocksville.
For more information about Pro Refrigeration, including job opportunities, visit www.prochiller.com.
