In a notable development for the job market of Orange County, Governor Josh Stein has announced that CITEL America, Inc., which specializes in industrial surge protection, is set to relocate its North American operations to Hillsborough and with this move, intends to create 57 new job opportunities. This decision comes alongside a $12.5 million investment plan that positions North Carolina as an increasingly appealing destination for global companies seeking skilled labor and supportive economic networks, as reported by the the Governor's Office.
The discussions that manifested into this significant economic boost for the region were held between Governor Stein, North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, and CITEL's leadership during the Paris Air Show earlier this year where they discussed North Carolina's potential to foster CITEL's growth; these now fruitful negotiations signal a sturdy commitment by CITEL to the area and contribute to the state’s forward momentum in terms of business growth. Established in 1937, the CITEL Group is no stranger to industrial advancements, holding numerous patents and is recognized as an innovator in surge protection technologies a fact that will be further entrenched with their plans to inaugurate a UL-certified surge test laboratory at their new facility which will spread across 82,900 square feet to house various operations from administration to sales.
According to a statement obtained by the Governor's Office, CITEL's President Henri Guichard expressed gratitude for the "warm welcome and support" that marked the beginning of their project in North Carolina, while Patrick Coyle, Vice President of CITEL Inc., emphasized the expansion as a pivotal step that promises to enhance the company's innovative capabilities and responsiveness to local market demands.
Further bolstering the appeal of North Carolina's workforce, the planned relocation also comes with financial incentives as CITEL is due to receive a performance-based grant of $50,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, a program designed to help attract economic investment and job creation in the state with conditions requiring job creation and investment targets being met and with matching participation from local governments. This support is matched by the response from local politicians, as N.C. Senator Graig Meyer lauded CITEL’s decision to choose Hillsborough for its U.S. base, forecasting a substantial economic lift for the community, and N.C. Representative Renée A. Price echoed similar sentiments stating the move not only generates jobs but also presents opportunities that enhance the social and economic fabric of Orange County.
The effort to bring CITEL to Hillsborough involved the N.C. Department of Commerce, the University of North Carolina System, and several local groups, including the Orange County Board of Commissioners and the Town of Hillsborough. The new jobs are expected to have an average salary of $83,611, higher than the current Orange County average of $69,728. The total annual payroll could exceed $4.7 million, adding a notable boost to the local economy.
