In conjunction with the Buncombe County Commission, Asheville City Council, and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), Linamar announced a $190 million investment in facilities and equipment and 400 new positions at its Arden campus. This commitment is an increase of $115 million and 150 jobs to Linamar’s second announcement in June of 2012, which encompassed a $75 million investment and 250 new employees. Linamar is a diversified global manufacturing company of highly engineered products with facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia.
In conjunction with the Buncombe County Commission, Asheville City Council, and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), Linamar announced a $190 million investment in facilities and equipment and 400 new positions at its Arden campus. This commitment is an increase of $115 million and 150 jobs to Linamar’s second announcement in June of 2012, which encompassed a $75 million investment and 250 new employees. Linamar is a diversified global manufacturing company of highly engineered products with facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Today’s announcement represents a new product line for Linamar Asheville bringing state of the art machining of high-technology transmission gears for the automotive industry. These gears are a critical component to improved passenger car fuel economy. Currently, the Asheville location makes engine blocks for major industrial brand names including Caterpillar and Volvo Construction Equipment.
Since purchasing the Volvo Construction property three short years ago Linamar has grown to approximately 200 employees. Renovation of its second building on the campus will begin this fall, and hiring is expected to begin as early as first quarter of 2015.
"We are very excited about our continued expansion in North Carolina," said company CEO Linda Hasenfratz, "Expanding our gear business globally is a key priority for us, and we plan to create a state of the art facility here in Asheville to do just that."
“It’s fantastic to see Linamar expanding here in Buncombe County. The County Commissioners are proud to be a part of helping to bring additional jobs to our county through a world class company that recognizes the dedication and highly adaptable skills of our workforce. I’m proud of Linamar’s management and its employees as they continue to grow in our community,” commented David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Commission.
“Today’s announcement by Linamar is great reinforcement that Asheville is working in the global economy. As a corporate citizen, Linamar mirrors many of our city’s strategic goals, including a commitment to sustainability, diversity, fiscal responsibility, and serving as a high performing organization. We appreciate Linamar’s growing presence in Asheville, and we are excited about the creation of hundreds of advanced manufacturing positions in the City,” said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer.
“Linamar’s success elevates Asheville’s growing reputation as a national leader in advanced manufacturing. There are only a few plants in the world that can produce products with such refined tolerances. We are extremely pleased Asheville has been selected for this project,” said Paul Szurek, EDC Chairman.
The EDC for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, high growth entrepreneurship, research, and recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Town of Weaverville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign. Visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a 2,000+ member organization representing 86,000 employees. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of increasing the region’s livability by advancing its economic vitality. The Asheville Chamber works diligently to ensure that Asheville continues to prosper while also protecting the natural beauty of the area.
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