American Fuji Seal (AFS) has signed an Economic Development Agreement that includes creating at least 20 new jobs and investing between $10 million and more than $30 million at the Trivium Corporate Center in Hickory. As part of the agreement, AFS will purchase Lot 7 for $668,860. The company may qualify for incentives to offset part of the cost, depending on its future investments. If AFS’s total investment exceeds $30 million, it can reclaim up to 75% of payments made to the City of Hickory and Catawba County until the purchase price is recovered.
According to the City of Hickory, the agreement includes performance requirements to ensure compliance with North Carolina General Statutes. Failure to meet these requirements could result in penalties outlined in the contract.
Catawba County Board of Commissioners Chair Randy Isenhower and Hickory Mayor Hank Guess both expressed support for the expansion, highlighting its contribution to local job growth and investment. Trivium Corporate Center Inc. and the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation are also involved in facilitating the project.
