High Point In The Running For Manufacturing Plant

An international manufacturing company is eyeing High Point as a possible location for a new plant.

City and county officials are discussing incentive packages totaling more than $2 million to help sway Amada North America from other competing locations.

The company, which makes machines for sheet metal manufacturers, is considering the Premier Center Business Park in North High Point for expansion.

Sandy Dunbeck with the High Point Economic Development Corporation says the company would bring more than 200  jobs to the community.

“The average wage for these jobs is $37,000. The positions would range from factory assemblers and machine operators to engineers and production managers,” says Dunbeck.

She says the company's total investment in the community would be around $82 million.

Amada is also considering sites in South Carolina and Tennessee.

High Point officials say the company would have to deliver on its promises before it receives any incentives.

City Council held a public hearing about the proposed incentives on Wednesday. Guilford County Board of Commissioners will do the same during its meeting on Thursday.

“Amada North America certainly is complimentary to the opportunities that we have in aerospace and automotive and other metal working in the Triad area, so we think they are a great fit for this community. We are excited about the possibilities,” says Dunbeck.

Local leaders expect a decision from the company sometime within the next few months.

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