Amada North America, Inc., a manufacturer of precision sheet-metal fabricating equipment, will develop a new product line in Guilford County, investing $87 million to build a plant in High Point and creating 201 new jobs over the next five years.
The California-based company’s new plant will manufacture and assemble a line of high-precision press break bending equipment for the U.S. market.
“Amada believes success comes from listening to the voice of our customers, and locating our newest facility in this area allows us to be close to our customer base in the Southeast,” said Yukihiro Fukui, CEO at Amada North America.
“Manufacturers choose North Carolina because of our existing skilled workforce and our commitment to training the workforce they’ll need in the future,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “I join Guilford County and High Point communities in welcoming Amada’s new facility and the opportunities it will bring.”
Amada, based in Buena Park, California, manufactures, sells and services a line of precision sheet-metal fabricating equipment, including punch presses, lasers, press brakes, and flexible manufacturing systems, software and tooling. The average annual salary at its new plant in High Point will be $37,721, once all positions are filled. The company also plans to buy enough land to allow for a second facility at the same site in the future.
“Amada has big plans for this project, and I look forward to working with them as they grow in Guilford County,” said state Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company’s expansion decision.
“Amada is excited to join the High Point, Guilford County business community,” Fukui said. “We wish to thank the state of North Carolina, the NC Department of Commerce and the EDPNC, as well as the city of High Point, Guilford County, the High Point Economic Development Corporation and ElectriCities for their assistance in bringing this project to fruition.”
A performance-based grant of $200,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help support Amada’s facility in North Carolina. 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.
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the EDPNC, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, City of High Point, Guilford County, the Guilford County Workforce Development Board, the High Point Economic Development Corporation, Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, and the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.