In a move that's set to bolster the local economy, Governor Josh Stein has just declared an $11 million expansion of BSH Home Appliances Corporation in Craven County, which promisses to add 199 new jobs to the region. BSH, a division of the Bosch Group known for its home appliances, is expanding its New Bern facility to evolve as a centralized innovation and manufacturing hub for its U.S operations, according to an official release by the Governor's Office.
With this expansion, North Carolina's position as a manufacturing powerhouse is uplifted, as articulated by Governor Stein, "When globally known companies like BSH choose North Carolina for an expansion, it confirms the strength of our workforce." Housing the largest manufacturing workforce in the southeastern United States, the state continues to draw attention through its pioneering production opportunities and growth prospects, especially for Craven County. This development comes after meetings between BSH, Secretary Lilley, and state leaders in Germany laid the groundwork for the company's growth, as per the Governor's Office.
Renowned for its high-quality, innovative products, BSH operates under esteemed brand names like Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau in North America. The New Bern site's upgrade encompasses cooking and dishwashing research, manufacturing, distribution, and customer support specifically for the United States market, the Governor's Office states.
The average annual salary for the newly created positions is estimated to be $60,779, surpassing Craven County’s average of $48,770, which, as said by Governor Stein, signals a considerable boost for the local workforce. Furthermore, the prospect of an annual payroll impact of over $12 million looms large for the region. Aiding the company’s expansion is a $500,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, which requires companies to hit job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payments.
Support for BSH's expansion cuts across multiple levels of local and state government, with Senator Bob Brinson and Representative Steve Tyson acknowledging the economic boon that BSH’s decision represents for eastern North Carolina. Their anticipation for the next phase of growth, backed by a good-paying job promise, reflects the shared optimism of the community and leaders alike. The project involves collaboration with various partners, such as the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, numerous educational institutions, and energy providers, showcasing a collective effort to enhance the state's economic outlook.
