Governor Josh Stein confirmed the introduction of 515 new jobs in Western North Carolina with Eco King Solutions, LLC's decision to invest $80.5 million in setting up a new production facility in Graham County. According to the Governor's official announcement, this facility will focus on crafting disposable, biodegradable paper tableware, a move reflecting the region's increasing draw for businesses looking to expand.
"We welcome Eco King to western North Carolina, where it will find a welcoming business climate, education and workforce programs tailored to its needs, and the full range of competitive advantages that make North Carolina the top state to do business in the country," Governor Stein stated, expressing North Carolina's anticipated benefits from this positioning. This sentiment was echoed by Ping Zhang, Chairman of Eco King Solutions, who lauded the community, including Robbinsville, Graham County, and the state's engaging business environment for nurturing their expansion goals.
These 515 positions are expected to bring about a significant uplift to the local economy. The average salary for these roles will match the county's mean wage at $46,707, creating an overall annual payroll impact surpassing $14 million. The significance of this development is punctuated by Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley's remark, "Whether it’s CNBC naming us the top state for business or investments from CEOs around the world, North Carolina continues to be a global destination for great job creation."
The incentivization behind Eco King's expansion includes a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), which could potentially reimburse the company with up to $2,894,000 over 12 years contingent on meeting target job creation and investment thresholds. These grants are meticulously structured to ensure a positive return, with the projected ROI for the public funds circling around 106 percent; theoretically for every invested dollar, the state recoups $2.06 in revenue.
Local leaders have also welcomed the investment, recognizing its potential to transform Robbinsville and Graham County into industrial hubs. Senator Kevin Corbin and Representative Karl E. Gillespie have both voiced their commitment to supporting Eco King's success in Western North Carolina. This project, which Senator Corbin speaks of as a "major economic development win," is a testament to the collaborative efforts of state and local entities, including the North Carolina General Assembly, Duke Energy, and several community colleges and economic development bodies.
In the words of Representative Gillespie, Robbinsville is set to benefit from "new jobs, boost our local economy, and improve the quality of life in our community." Such investments cement North Carolina's status as an attractive destination for manufacturers and are emblematic of the state's thriving business ecosystem, one that continues to garner national recognition.
