Asheville, NC – In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville – Buncombe County (EDC), Linamar, a leading global supplier of internal engine and driveline components, announced today a $75 million investment in facilities and equipment and 250 new positions at its Lake Julian campus. This commitment, along with the 400 jobs and $125 million investment Linamar made public in June 2011, marks a total of $200 million and 650 jobs announced over the past 12 months.
Asheville, NC – In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville – Buncombe County (EDC), Linamar, a leading global supplier of internal engine and driveline components, announced today a $75 million investment in facilities and equipment and 250 new positions at its Lake Julian campus. This commitment, along with the 400 jobs and $125 million investment Linamar made public in June 2011, marks a total of $200 million and 650 jobs announced over the past 12 months.
Linamar attributes this significant expansion to its successful launch in Asheville, to the strength of the local workforce and regional expertise in metals machining. Within 300 days of its commitment to open a facility, Linamar has conducted three job fairs, hired a local management team, hosted a grand opening ceremony and shipped finished products to customers. From humble beginnings in a Guelph, Ontario, Canada basement in 1966, Linamar has emerged as a worldwide supplier for vehicle and mobile industrial equipment. The Asheville operations support the Industrial, Commercial, and Energy (ICE) division of the organization, servicing brand names such as Caterpillar and Volvo Construction Equipment. Today’s announced jobs and investment will support the company’s stated goal to reach $10 billion in corporate revenues by the year 2020.
“We have had a great experience in our first year in Asheville,” said Nick Adams, President of Linamar’s Industrial, Commercial and Energy Group. “The tremendous support provided by the City of Asheville, Buncombe County and the state of North Carolina has been instrumental in our decision to expand our business here. As we said last June, we wanted to become part of the community and continue to grow here. We’re thrilled to be making this happen.”
“The greatest compliment a company can extend to a community is the decision to reinvest,” said David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “In 2011, Linamar made one of the largest economic development announcements in North Carolina. These two investments are indisputable evidence of the significant impact manufacturing has on our regional economy. We thank Linamar management for their investment, and pledge the County’s support for their success in the years to come.”
“Our friends at Linamar have quickly proven their dedication to our community and truly represent the world-class employers our County attracts. Over the past year, I have gained an immense respect for this company. We are grateful for their continued confidence and unprecedented investment in the people of Buncombe County,” said EDC Chairman K. Ray Bailey.
Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy noted, “At last year’s announcement, I referred to Linamar as a ‘growth-oriented partner.’ The company has wasted no time in meeting and exceeding these expectations. It is truly an honor to have a company of this caliber expanding in Asheville. I wish Mark Treffinger and the entire team at Linamar continued success in growing your business.”
Employment inquiries and applications will be taken at the North Carolina Employment Security Commission offices.
The EDC for Asheville-Buncombe Countyis 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, small business and entrepreneurship, research, and marketing and recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign.
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. In 2006, the Chamber moved to a new location and is now home to the 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes 200,000 visitors per year.