The $200,000 grant announced by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein will support a building expansion at Goshen Engineering Inc. (Google Maps photo)
Mount Olive is one of 15 North Carolina communities that will receive a grant to spur job creation, Governor Josh Stein announced last week.
The $200,000 grant will support a building expansion at Goshen Engineering Inc., located at 439 NC Hwy 55 East. The company plans to build a 10,000-square-foot addition to its existing site, constructed in 2004, investing $794,501 and creating 20-25 jobs.
“We have an existing facility, and I need to add some new offices and processing equipment,” said Jason Stevens, owner and president of Goshen Engineering, which began operations in 2006. “It’s a small percentage of the overall cost, but any portion of that helps. You apply, spend the money, create jobs and retain them for 18 months, so it’s kind of a long-term process before (the grant) gets disbursed.”
Goshen Engineering moved into its current location in 2013, renting the space until purchasing the property in 2016. The business provides integrated power distribution solutions and advanced industrial automation systems, specializing in custom engineered-to-order products, Stevens said. Most projects are handled end-to-end, including engineering, manufacturing, testing, startup, commissioning and on-going support.
The company’s primary markets include data centers, renewable energy, industrial manufacturing and utilities. Power distribution products include UL891 switchboards, integrated power distribution skids, racks, wiring troughs and ducts, and other custom integrated products. Automation offerings include programmable logic controls, servo motion systems, robotic systems, safety controls and other custom automated equipment including full-service field support.
The funding comes from a variety of specialized grant and loan programs offered and managed by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division and supports a variety of activities, including infrastructure development, building renovation, building expansion, building demolition and site improvements.
“Every investment we make in rural North Carolina enhances our state’s economic competitiveness and people’s lives,” Governor Stein said. “These local government grantees are receiving critical funding for infrastructure improvements that spur job creation and help their communities compete for future economic development wins.”
Altogether, the 15 grants will create over 700 jobs and attract over $104 million in private investment in the state, the commerce department said.
Stevenson, who grew up in Mount Olive, worked with Julie Graham, existing industry director at Wayne County Development Alliance, to apply for the grant. He said his business doesn’t rely on Mount Olive’s sewer system, so the current moratorium the town is under does not affect his business.
Another of the 15 grants, valued at $95,000, was awarded to help renovate a 121,173-square-foot building located at 405 Gateway Dr. in Goldsboro that was constructed in 2001. According to the state’s press release, Scout Limited Inc. is a wholesale and distribution company that’s acquiring a Georgia-based candle manufacturer that will relocate to Goldsboro to the company’s headquarters. The company will create 13 jobs and invest $320,000 in the project.
