(RALEIGH) -- A manufacturer of environmentally friendly batteries plans to bring 61 new jobs to Yadkin County.  EcoVolt Power Corporation will locate a new manufacturing facility in East Bend, investing $20 million in the project over the next three years.

Gov. Beverly Perdue confirmed that EcoVolt is eligible for a $200,000 state grant. The company have to meet jobs and investment targets to receive the money.

“This company is another feather in the cap for our rapidly expanding green economy,” said Gov. Perdue. “I’ve said it many times before, green can be gold for North Carolina.”

Within three years, the company is expected to have the capacity to manufacture or process approximately 6 million automotive starter batteries per year. EcoVolt plans to move into the former DAC Products furniture building in East Bend.

Mark E. Leininger, EcoVolt’s Chairman and CEO credited the decision to bring the plant to Yadkin County on a highly skilled workforce, attractive facilities, local cost of living, a strong education system including the Community College system and the beauty of North Carolina and its pro-business environment.  North Carolina's central location on the east coast was also a factor.