(RALEIGH) --  An automotive systems and components supplier plans to expand its body and chassis facility in Goldsboro.  Cooper Standard will create 137 jobs to meet demand for new products and programs.

Gov. Bev Perdue made the announced on Monday and confirmed that Cooper Standard would be eligible for a grant from the One North Carolina Fund.  The company expects to invest $17.9 million in the plant by the end of 2012.

“Cooper Standard has been in Goldsboro for more than 25 years,” said Gov. Perdue. “Our top-ranked business climate and skilled workforce make North Carolina an excellent location for businesses to prosper," said Perdue.

“Given our successful history in Goldsboro, we’re confident in our decision to expand Cooper Standard’s current footprint to meet increasing industry demand for new automotive products and technologies,” said Larry Johnson, Vice President, North American Operations. “Leveraging our successful operations is one of our top priorities and North Carolina’s strong workforce and business culture make it an ideal location for this type of expansion.”

Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $31,713 not including benefits. The Wayne County average annual wage is $$29,848.