Agriculture equipment distributor LS Tractor USA will expand operations in Nash County, adding 31 jobs over five years and investing $11.5 million to upgrade its offices and facilities in Battleboro.
LS Tractor USA sells and distributes tractors and agricultural equipment produced by South Korea-based LS Mtron. LS Tractor’s corporate headquarters and primary facility is in Battleboro. The company also has contract facilities in Louisiana, California and Illinois. The company sells equipment through a dealer network of locations through the U.S. and Canada.
“Since 2009, LS Tractor USA has become part of North Carolina and has experienced very successful growth based on collaboration with the North Carolina government and Nash County,” said Joey Sim, director of sales and marketing. “LS Mtron has very strong confidence in our continuous growth and our relationship with the local community, which makes them willing to increase business and investment for the future here.”
Gov. Roy Cooper, a Nash County native, said in announcing the expansion: “Nash County is a wonderful place to live, work and do business, and I’m pleased that LS Tractor USA has decided to keep growing right here.”
Salaries for the new jobs will average $44,252. The average wage in Nash County is $38,105.
The expansion is supported by $60,000 performance-based grant from the state’s One North Carolina Fund. The One N.C. 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.
Regional Industry Manager Harry Swendsen of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina supported this project in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Nash County and the Carolinas Gateway Partnership.