NT Techno, a Japanese auto parts manufacturer, looked at more than 50 sites in the state before picking one south of Oxford. Officials said they wanted to be close to Interstate 85 and have a ready supply of workers.
"The quality and availability of the labor force and tax and utility costs are competitive and very reasonable," said Takayoshi Naito, president of NT Techno.
State officials attracted the company with the possibility of tax credits for creating jobs. Granville County leaders offered $500,000 in local incentives. In the past year, the area lost hundreds of jobs to plant closings and layoffs.
"This means more than just a mental lift to our citizens and hope for the future. It means actual jobs are going to be created, good quality jobs," said Leon Turner, of the Granville County Economic Development.
Officials said 50 jobs will be available at first with possibly hundreds more jobs if plans for expansion pan out.
State Commerce Secretary Jim Fain said Granville County's success bodes well for others.
"NT Techno exemplifies the kind of technology-oriented quality manufacturing company that I think represents our future in manufacturing in this state," he said.
The new plant will be NT Techno's first facility in the United States. It will be a key supplier of auto parts for AWNC, an Japanese-based auto parts manufacturer located in Durham.
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