Chatsworth Products, Inc. (CPI), an IT equipment manufacturer, has announced plans to inject $11 million into its New Bern facility, projecting to create 45 new jobs in Craven County, North Carolina. The expansion initiative was unveiled by Governor Josh Stein, who underscored the positive implications for the state's economic landscape and the distribution of its gains, according to a press release from the Governor's office. Chatsworth Products, recognized for more than three decades of service in the IT sector, will ramp up production capacity and introduce new product lines through the expansion, with Ted Behrens, CEO of CPI, reiterating the company's commitment to innovative solutions and customer needs.
CPI has a notable presence in North Carolina, and their expansion is a testament to the state being a favorable business destination, per comments from N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, which were echoed in the Governor’s statement. With 100% employee ownership, CPI harnesses an employee-driven culture that has been key to their enduring success in the high-tech industry. The company designs and manufactures a range of solutions tailored for data centers, including thermal management, power solutions, and cable management systems. These developments are poised to solidify North Carolina's standing as a burgeoning tech hub, and employment opportunities spanning machine operators, packers, and warehouse staff are anticipated to dominate the new job openings.
The average annual wage for the newly created positions is expected to be $50,224, a figure that surpasses Craven County's current average of $48,770. This expansion signifies a potential payroll boon of over $2.2 million for the region, highlighting the transformative economic potential spin-offs from such investments. Chatsworth Products' growth in the area has been incentivized in part by a performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, an initiative designed to boost economic development and job creation.
Local government representatives, including N.C. Senator Bob Brinson and N.C. Representative Steve Tyson have voiced enthusiasm for the investment. "These new jobs are a welcome addition to our region," Senator Brinson stated, underscoring the positive outlook for the local economy. "We know Chatsworth could have expanded anywhere, but we’re glad they chose New Bern," Representative Tyson added on the Office of the Governor website, signaling gratitude to the professionals and officials involved in facilitating the expansion decision.
