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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

K-FLEX USA Doubles Manufacturing Center In Franklin County, North Carolina

11/03/2016
Italy-based K-FLEX USA plans to nearly double in size with the expansion of its manufacturing operations in Franklin County, North Carolina. The company will create 100 new jobs and invest $45 million in its facilities and equipment over the next four years.

K-FLEX USA is a leading manufacturer of thermal and acoustic insulation, gaskets, seals and mats designed for buyers in the energy, construction, marine, automotive and athletics industries. K-FLEX USA is a unit of Italy’s IK Insulation Group, which makes and distributes a diversified portfolio of insulation products around the world. K-FLEX USA’s expansion adds 100 jobs at its Youngsville plant. Included among the new hires will be supervisors, skilled operators and maintenance technicians, among other personnel.

“We are excited to add to our manufacturing campus in Youngsville and look forward to continuing to be an active member in our community,” said Giuseppe Guarino, President of K-FLEX USA. “This new facility will ensure that K-FLEX USA can continue to meet the growing demand for our products in North America and around the world. We are grateful to Franklin County and the state of North Carolina for their support as we invest in our shared future.”

K-FLEX’s expansion will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee today. Under the terms of the company’s JDIG, the company is eligible to receive up to $1.1 million in total reimbursements. Payments will occur in annual installments over 12 years pending verification by NC Commerce and NC Revenue that the company has met incremental job creation and investment targets.

JDIGs reimburse new and expanding companies a portion of the newly created tax-base with the goal of increasing the overall tax benefit to the State of North Carolina. The state reimbursement is contingent upon local participation from Franklin County.

By law, JDIG projects must result in a net revenue inflow to the state treasury over the life of the award. For projects in Tier 2 counties such as Franklin County, 15 percent of the eligible grant is directed to the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account to help finance economic infrastructure in less populated counties. K-FLEX’s expansion could provide as much as $126,100 in new funds for the Utility Account.

“This announcement by K-FLEX builds on North Carolina's legacy of leading the Southeast with the most manufacturing jobs,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “This is further evidence that global companies like K-FLEX can find the talent and business climate in North Carolina to expand and thrive.”

Numerous partners joined with N.C. Commerce and the EDPNC in supporting K-FLEX’s expansion. They include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, N.C. Transportation, Franklin County and the Franklin County Economic Development Commission.

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