Pro Refrigeration Inc., a manufacturer of refrigeration systems, will expand its operations by locating its new East Coast production facility in Davie County, North Carolina.

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.

“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 firm 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 during 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 Pat McCrory. “We must continue to support manufacturing through our strategic investments in workforce development and infrastructure.”

“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.

"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.