Manufacturer Chooses New Bern for New Plant

RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 24 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release:

McGuckin & Pyle, Inc., a manufacturer of custom lamination and processing equipment, chose Craven County for its new plant, creating 33 new jobs and investing $2.25 million, Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. Copeland announced today. The company will bring mechanical and electrical control system assembly and machinery services to New Bern.

"Much of our state is hurting after Hurricane Florence. As we continue to support each other and start to recover and rebuild, McGuckin & Pyle's choice to move to New Bern and belief in this community underscores North Carolina's resilience," said Secretary Copeland. "This is a company that picked North Carolina because of our people, and they are committed to rebuilding together with all of us in North Carolina."

McGuckin & Pyle produces custom processing industrial equipment such as laminators, winding and unwinding machines, carton forming machines and more. Additionally, the company offers mechanical, electrical and automation control system design and engineering along with machining and fabrication services which will also be located at the New Bern facility. McGuckin & Pyle is privately owned with headquarters and only current facility in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

"Extending our operations into North Carolina is a real game-changer for our company, and we are committed to rebuilding Craven County and helping play a part in getting people back on their feet after Hurricane Florence," said Keith Connolly, President for McGuckin & Pyle. "Strategically, this growth is a necessity. We have many clients in the Carolinas and this expansion will allow us to broaden our level of support to those businesses. Craven County was integral in navigating the possible incentives that were available for our business. It was a combination of their efforts and the generous support awarded to us that ultimately convinced us that this was the site for our continued growth."

"Craven County has the workforce needed for manufacturers to be successful, and McGuckin & Pyle knows that no hurricane can take that away from this strong community," continued Secretary Copeland. "McGuckin & Pyle will move into Craven County Industrial Park, and the strong transportation and utility infrastructure there will support the company's growth in the Carolinas and beyond."

The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC) were instrumental in supporting the company's expansion decision.

Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position but will average $44,304, which is more than the average wage of $37,1746 in Craven County.

A performance-based grant of $70,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate McGuckin & Pyle's move to North Carolina. The One N.C. Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

"As we continue to respond and recover from Hurricane Florence, McGuckin & Pyle's move to New Bern is a welcome bright spot," said N.C. Senator Norman W. Sanderson. "Our focus right now is getting people back on their feet, and bringing more good jobs can only help that effort."

In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Craven County, the Craven 100 Alliance, North Carolina's Southeast Regional Economic Development Partnership and Duke Energy.