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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Key Gas Components Invests More Than $2.2 Million To Expand Its Marion, North Carolina, Manufacturing Center

12/30/2013
Key Gas Components will invest more than $2.2 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Marion, North Carolina, with plans to create 37 new jobs during the next three years in McDowell County. The manufacturing and engineering services company operates a 35,000 sq. ft. facility producing gas valves, fittings and orifices for the gas appliance industry.

“We are very excited to be expanding our business into McDowell County,” said Jim Kuhn, President of Key Gas Components. “Our experience here over the last 10 years has been very positive. The strong manufacturing skills and solid work ethic of the folks that live in this area, coupled with the creation of the Universal Industrial Skill Training Center at McDowell Technical Community College, gives us a high confidence that we will be able to hire the right people to add to our team and that this project will be a success.”

“Western North Carolina’s talented workforce continues to serve as a strong recruiting tool for existing and prospective companies,” said Gov. Pat McCrory. “Key Gas Components’ expansion in McDowell County is a strong sign of continued economic progress in the West. This is another great example of a company partnering with our strong community college system to benefit the region.”

In a changing marketplace, gas equipment manufacturers need to respond to customer needs and market information faster than ever before, the North Carolina Department of Commerce said. Shrinking product life cycles, just-in-time deliveries, stringent quality requirements and tougher global competition make it necessary to develop partnerships with key vendors to maintain a competitive edge. Key Gas Components has been building successful relationships with gas equipment manufacturers and distributors for over two decades.

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $110,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, McDowell County, the McDowell Economic Development Association, and McDowell Technical Community College.

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