Keihin Carolina System Technology will invest more than $13 million to expand its Tarboro automotive assembly plant in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. The company plans to add 42 jobs over the coming three years.

The company assembles and tests electrical components for Honda vehicles made around the world. Keihin Carolina has operated in Tarboro since 1998 and currently employs 400 people.

“This expansion shows confidence in our workforce, our economy and our state as a great place for world-class employers to invest and grow,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “As a native of eastern North Carolina, I know how critical skilled manufacturing jobs like these are to Edgecombe County and other rural parts of North Carolina.”

“This company is a key automotive supplier known for quality and global reach,” said Commerce Secretary Tony Copeland. “Keihin Carolina will add more jobs that keep North Carolina ranked number one for manufacturing jobs in the southeast.”

Keihin Carolina System Technology assembles and tests electrical components for Honda vehicles made around the world. Keihin Carolina has operated in Tarboro since 1998 and currently employs 400 people.

A performance-based grant of $150,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Keihin Carolina’s expansion in Tarboro. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to support local government efforts to attract economic investment and create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants are contingent upon a local government match.

“Keihin Carolina System Technology, Inc., Keihin or KCST, as it is known locally, is a leader in the manufacture of Engine Control Units,” said plant manager David Catt. “KCST provides these world-class products with a combination of highly trained associates with advanced robotic technologies and automated manufacturing processes.”

Catt added, “Respect for the individual is key to the Keihin Philosophy. KCST considers its employees to be its greatest assets and invests heavily in their continuing education, training and manufacturing skills development. With the vision of ’Passionate people committed to excellence’ KCST strives to the world class performance in Product Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Employee Fulfillment and Dedication to Corporate Citizenship.”