Weitron Inc., a packager and distributor of refrigerant gases, has selected the town of Everetts in Martin County for a new $12.8 million production facility that will create 31 new jobs.
“Weitron considered several options,” said Deborah Dayton, president of the company based in Newark, Delaware. “North Carolina fit all of our strategic goals. Its workforce will allow us to provide quality products, and we can get products to our customers in a timely manner given the location and transportation resources.”
Weitron is a worldwide supplier of refrigerant for a number of industries, including automotive, residential and commercial air-conditioning applications. The company is working to meet growing demand for new refrigerant formulas with less environmental impact.
“Companies far and wide know that rural North Carolina provides great business locations,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “There’s no better endorsement of North Carolina’s many advantages than a growing business like Weitron deciding to invest in our state and our people.”
North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland said: “From the state’s workforce training programs to our superior transportation infrastructure, North Carolina offers companies everything they need to succeed.” The state Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company’s investment decision.
While compensation will vary by position, average salaries for the jobs at the new plant will be $32,839, above the current average annual wage in Martin County of $28,287.
“It is a high priority for us to provide the next generation of environmentally friendly refrigerants,” said Ryan Carpenter, vice president of operations. “We will have this facility up and running shortly.”
A performance-based grant of $90,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will support Weitron’s expansion in Martin County. The fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
In addition to Commerce and the EDPNC, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Golden Leaf Foundation, the North Carolina Railroad Company, CSX Transportation, NCEast Alliance, Edgecombe-Martin Electric Membership Corporation, the Martin County Committee of 100, Martin County and the Martin County Economic Development Corporation.