Bakers Waste Equipment Inc, a producer of waste containers and compactors, will invest almost $3 million to locate a new facility in Caldwell County, Lenoir, North Carolina, with plans to create 60 new jobs.

As an incentive the project was made possible, in part, by a $180,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, said Gov. Bev Perdue. "My top priority is creating jobs. Our investments in education and workforce development programs have created a strong business climate that allows manufacturers to thrive in a global economy," she said. The grant is contingent upon local matches being awarded.

Bakers Waste Equipment manufactures and sells steel containers and compactors for the waste, construction, recycling, manufacturing and retail industries. BWE already employs more than 80 employees at facilities in Burke and Catawba counties. Those operations will be consolidated into the new facility in Caldwell County. However, the company said it expects to retain a majority of existing employees, since the new location is within commuting range.

"This is an exceptional opportunity for our company to consolidate three separate operations and to grow in Caldwell County," said Ric Raines, president of BWE. "We really appreciate the diligent support from the state of North Carolina, the City of Lenoir and Caldwell County, Self Help and the SBA, the Stump Corporation, and Fifth Third Bank."

"This announcement is good news for Caldwell County," said Rep. Edgar Starnes of Hickory. "I know Bakers Waste Equipment can continue to thrive here with our skilled workforce and business-friendly climate."