In a significant boost to North Carolina’s manufacturing sector, BSH Home Appliances Corporation, part of the Bosch Group, is set to expand its operations in Craven County. The move will create 199 new jobs and involves an investment exceeding $11 million to enhance their New Bern facility, transforming it into a hub for U.S. innovation and manufacturing.
Governor Josh Stein remarked on the significance of this expansion, noting, “When globally known companies like BSH choose North Carolina for an expansion, it confirms the strength of our workforce.” With North Carolina boasting the largest manufacturing workforce in the southeast, the state anticipates substantial job creation and growth opportunities in Craven County.
BSH, headquartered in Munich, Germany, and with North American headquarters in California, is renowned for its appliances under the Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau brands. This expansion will centralize U.S. cooking and dishwashing research, innovation, and manufacturing in New Bern, alongside distribution and customer support activities.
Darcy Clarkson, CEO of BSH Region North America, expressed the company’s commitment, stating, “New Bern’s importance to BSH is growing, and this investment is one of several new developments that will increase our footprint, create jobs, and drive innovation for the company as we look to the future, with North America designated as a growth region for BSH.”
For over 25 years, BSH has been a part of the New Bern community, and Andy MacLaren, CTO of BSH Region North America, emphasized their ongoing commitment, adding, “We look forward to further strengthening our contributions to the city and region with this important expansion.”
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley affirmed the state’s reputation, saying, “BSH’s decision validates North Carolina’s reputation for manufacturing excellence.” He emphasized the state’s commitment to developing a world-class workforce that attracts companies statewide.
This development follows discussions between BSH, Secretary Lilley, and state leaders in Germany, which laid the groundwork for this expansion. With varied wages for the new roles, the average annual salary is expected to be $60,779, surpassing Craven County’s average of $48,770. The resulting annual payroll impact could exceed $12 million for the region.
Supporting this expansion, a performance-based grant of $500,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will assist BSH’s growth in the state. This fund aids local governments in attracting economic investments and job creation. Companies must meet specific job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment, with local government participation required.
Senator Bob Brinson welcomed the expansion, noting, “This expansion is a welcomed addition to Craven County and the entire state. The people of eastern North Carolina are well-equipped for these new, good-paying jobs.”
Representative Steve Tyson highlighted the collaborative effort, stating, “We are grateful to the partnerships here on the local and state level that helped bring this investment and expansion to fruition.”
Key partners in this project include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Craven Community College, North Carolina State University, North Carolina’s Southeast, Craven County, Craven 100 Alliance, City of New Bern, Duke Energy, and Piedmont Natural Gas.
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