Linamar Announces US Manufacturing Facility in Asheville

Contact:   Ben Teague, Executive Director
Economic Development Coalition for Asheville - Buncombe County
(828) 258-6130 – bteague@ashevillechamber.org

LINAMAR ANNOUNCES US MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN ASHEVILLE

Company Plans Investment of $125 Million and 400 New Jobs

Asheville, NC– In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), Canadian-based Linamar Corporation proudly announces its newest manufacturing facility in Asheville, with the creation of 400 jobs and an investment of $125 million by 2020.  This investment signals the fourth U.S. manufacturing location for the leading global supplier of internal engine and driveline components.  Linamar will occupy the vacant Volvo Construction Equipment campus at Lake Julian, recently secured by Buncombe County to accommodate the company’s expansion plans.  Linamar expects to be in operation by the first quarter of 2012, with renovation of the facility to begin immediately. 

Founded as a one-man machine shop in a Canadian basement in 1966, Linamar has grown into a supplier for vehicle and mobile industrial equipment markets worldwide, with more than 14,500 employees and sales of $2.2 billion CAD in 2010.  The organization includes 39 manufacturing facilities, five research and development centers, and 14 sales offices spanning 11 countries.  Linamar’s operations are separated into four functions, including Industrial, Commercial, and Energy (ICE), Manufacturing, Driveline Systems, and Skyjack.  The new Asheville plant will be part of the ICE Group’s operations.     

The Asheville community was selected following an exhaustive search of major southeastern markets, which evaluated skilled workforce availability, manufacturing specialization, and proximity to Linamar’s major customers.  The company sought a community which could accommodate its continued plan of expansion into the North American marketplace. The long history of metals machining in Western North Carolina coupled with the presence of a significant customer base played a key role in the site selection process.  

"We look forward to becoming a member of the Asheville community, and we thank Governor Perdue, Buncombe County, and City of Asheville officials who worked hard to help us create a plan that makes this facility possible,” said Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz. “The Asheville facility will add capacity in our growing heavy duty and energy businesses, and give us manufacturing capabilities in an important region central to many of our customers."

The magnitude and potential impact of this project required the creativity and collaboration of city, county, and state leadership as well as multiple public and private partners.  While individual wages for the 400 positions will vary by job function, the average wage for the new positions will be $39,752 annually, plus benefits.  By comparison, the Buncombe County average annual wage is $33,800.  The announcement returns the 67-acre campus to productive use following a 12-month vacancy.  Linamar is expected to take occupancy of the building on August 1, with plans to acquire the building from the County in the first quarter of 2012. 

 “We are honored that Linamar has chosen Buncombe County for its newest manufacturing facility.  With operations across the globe, we are exceptionally grateful that this world-class firm is putting down roots in Western North Carolina,” said David Gantt, chairman for the Buncombe County Commission.  “The company’s history of smart-growth, employee-focused culture, and community engagement suggests the kind of corporate citizenship that we need to compete in the global marketplace.”

“From our initial conversations with Linamar management, the EDC worked quietly with a host of local allies to demonstrate the community’s determination and partnership that would not only welcome the Linamar team, but support its continued growth in our region for generations to come,” said K. Ray Bailey, board chairman for the EDC.  He continued, “Given the company’s history of leveraging its investments by clustering regional facilities, we expect the community to realize a far greater impact than has been announced here today. Successful economic development truly does take a village.”  Linamar executives and EDC leadership recognized the time and contributions of many local partners including Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Progress Energy, Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools, Asheville and Buncombe County Planning Departments, Employment Security Commission, and Volvo Construction Equipment.

Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy shared, “We’ve spent many months getting to know the Linamar team.  They are not only a great match for the work ethic and skills of our existing workforce, but will be a strong, growth-oriented partner as we plan for the future.  This unprecedented commitment to our tax base and to our people represents a rare opportunity and a real sense of renewal for the Asheville community and for our region.”

For additional information about the Linamar Corporation, including employment opportunities, please visit www.linamar.com.

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 & expansion, small business & entrepreneurship, research, and marketing & recruitment.   The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Asheville 5x5 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.

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