Electrolux, the Swedish-based appliance manufacturer, plans to relocate its North American laundry products research and development center from Webster City, Iowa to Charlotte, North Carolina, creating 80 jobs and bringing the company’s total workforce to about 800 employees.

Three years ago Electrolux selected Charlotte, North Carolina as the location of its new North American headquarters and consolidated a number of its U.S. corporate office operations and support functions in the Tar Heel State.

Chris Harris, vice president of Laundry and Dish Care Products, Electrolux Major Appliances North America, explained that, “We are increasing our R&D investment, moving closer to major science, engineering and technology universities and leveraging on the state-of-the-art research facilities that we already have in Charlotte.”

“This was a difficult but necessary decision,” Harris added. “The company is committed to assisting our Webster City employees and we are making this announcement nearly a year in advance to help with the transition.”

As an incentive to persuade the firm to relocate its headquarters to Charlotte three years ago, North Carolina officials provided the company with $27 million in incentives, based on the firm reaching hiring quotas, which it has now met.

In earlier interviews Electrolux officials said "Charlotte is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in which to live and work in the U.S., and it provides great access to road, rail and air transportation. Charlotte is also a center for business, finance and technology, and the educational and housing resources in the area are outstanding, as are the cultural, recreational and sports activities."

Gov. Perdue said, "We are honored that Electrolux will call North Carolina home for its North American headquarters. Our state has a tremendous workforce and we look forward to a long and beneficial relationship." Electrolux North American headquarters is located at 10200 David Taylor Drive in the University Area of northeast Charlotte.