HVAC firm to add jobs in Mebane

A company that makes heat exchanges and cooling solutions will expand its Orange County plant, creating 76 jobs in the next three years, officials said Thursday.

AKG of America will invest $3.3 million in the Mebane operation, which serves as the company's North American headquarters and sales office, to add 42,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

The company already employs 311 in Mebane. The average annual salary for the new jobs will be $42,710, plus benefits, which is higher than Orange County's average of $33,852.

“The quality and dedication of our employees and the support of the community as a whole will help AKG in growing its market share in North America and overseas,” President Rick White said in a statement.

AKG has qualified for a $100,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, which provides financial assistance to attract business projects to the state. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job and investment targets to obtain the funds.