MARION -- Gas Components, Incorporated will be expanding its manufacturing operation in McDowell County.  The company plans to create 37 new jobs and invest more than $2.2 million over the next three years in Marion.

“Western North Carolina’s talented workforce continues to serve as a strong recruiting tool for existing and prospective companies,” said Governor Pat McCrory in the press release making the announcement.  “Key Gas Components’ expansion in McDowell County is a strong sign of continued economic progress in the West. This is another great example of a company partnering with our strong community college system to benefit the region.”
 
Key Gas Components is a closely held, family-owned and operated manufacturing and engineering services company operating a 35,000 sq. ft. facility in Marion. They produce gas valves, fittings and orifices for the gas appliance industry.
 
“Bringing manufacturing jobs to Western North Carolina is an ongoing priority,” said Commerce Secretary Decker. “Companies like Key Gas Components, Inc. know that McDowell County offers them the skilled workforce and strong business climate they need to succeed.”
 
In a changing marketplace, gas equipment manufacturers need to respond to customer needs and market information faster than ever before.  Shrinking product life cycles, just-in-time deliveries, stringent quality requirements and tougher global competition make it necessary to develop partnerships with key vendors to maintain a competitive edge. Key Gas Components has been building successful relationships with gas equipment manufacturers and distributors for over two decades.

“We are very excited to be expanding our business into McDowell County,” said Jim Kuhn, President of Key Gas Components. “Our experience here over the last 10 years has been very positive.  The strong manufacturing skills and solid work ethic of the folks that live in this area, coupled with the creation of the Universal Industrial Skill Training Center at McDowell Technical Community College, gives us a high confidence that we will be able to hire the right people to add to our team and that this project will be a success.  I would like to thank Governor McCrory, McDowell Economic Development Association and NC Department of Commerce for their leadership and assistance with the project.” 
 
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $30,606 plus benefits. The McDowell County average annual wage is $30,349.
 
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $110,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.  These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
 
“Governor McCrory and I are working together to ensure that we’re addressing the needs of our state’s existing manufacturers,” said State Senator Ralph Hise. “Companies know our state has the highly-skilled workforce needed to compete in a global economy.”
 
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, McDowell County, the McDowell Economic Development Association, and McDowell Technical Community College.