Area Development
Reliance Industries, India's largest private-sector enterprise, will invest $215 million to open its first U.S. facility in Kinston, North Carolina. The plant will manufacture a resin to be used in the production of plastic containers and specialty polyester yarns. More than 200 jobs will be created over the next five years at an average annual wage of $46,500. The company, which will operate under the name Reliance Industries USA, will take over an existing facility formerly operated by a DuPont subsidiary. "Reliance chose Lenoir County over other locations because of the availability of an existing, adaptable facility, the area's long history in the polyester industry, the available skilled work force and training capabilities, proximity to customers, and state and local incentives which will help offset the high cost of establishing a major manufacturing facility," says Thakur Sharma, the company's president. The state has offered incentives tied to job development with the potential for at least $2 million in benefits to the company.