Randolph County is gearing up for economic growth as Governor Josh Stein announced the expansion of Environmental Air Systems (EAS), a move that is set to add 300 jobs and a $20 million investment in the area. Specializing in HVAC solutions for critical facilities, EAS, a Comfort Systems USA, Inc. subsidiary, will establish a new sub-assembly production operation in Asheboro, providing an opportunity for the local workforce to engage with advanced manufacturing processes that cater to diverse industries such as data centers and healthcare.
Marking a significant contribution to North Carolina's manufacturing landscape, EAS has a longstanding history in the state since 1953 and this expansion further cements its presence in the Triad region, where it plans to build upon its expertise in producing proprietary equipment for complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and the new 300,000 square feet facility will not only serve the regional demand but also tap into national markets, as per a statement obtained by the Governor's Office.
With the creation of these positions, EAS is expected to significantly impact the local economy, potentially adding over $16.5 million annually to the area's payroll. "EAS is proud to announce the continued expansion of our operations in North Carolina," Allen Absher, President of EAS - Manufacturing, expressed their company's commitment to building a legacy and providing opportunities in an interview with Governor's Office. The expansion underscores North Carolina's appeal as a business-friendly environment that supports labor-intensive industries and a skilled workforce, according to North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley.
The positive implications of EAS's decision extend to local education where high schools and community colleges are highlighted for their potential role in nurturing the next generation of workers for EAS, signifying this as a significant victory for Randolph County and the broader state, N.C. Senator Dave Craven lauded the local education system’s ability to prep students for such specialized job roles and N.C. Representative Neal Jackson remarked on the utilization of regional talent through an interview with Governor's Office. The expansion is partially supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), which could reimburse EAS up to $3,289,000 over 12 years, contingent upon the company fulfilling its job creation and investment benchmarks.
Partnerships are a cornerstone to the facilitation of EAS's expansion, which involves collaboration between the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, and local institutions like Randolph Community College. These joint efforts underscore the state's holistic approach to economic development, where local government, educational institutions, and industry leaders work in tandem to propel the state's economy forward and nurture its status as a hub for advanced modular manufacturing.
