KINSTON, NC -- North State Aviation announced on Monday it will open an aircraft maintenance center at the North Carolina Global TransPark in Lenoir County, creating 109 new jobs over the next two years. The company will invest $900,000 over the same period.

North State Aviation, incorporated in 2010, has grown from a Winston-Salem start-up to a company that currently employs more than 400 people. It specializes in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of large transport aircraft. The company counts one of the world’s largest commercial airlines among its customers. North State Aviation is now the largest tenant at Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem. Its new facility at the North Carolina Global TransPark will employ 109 workers. Salaries will vary by position, but will average $39,688 per year. Currently, the average annual wage in Lenoir County is $32,164.

North State Aviation’s new facility at the Global TransPark will serve a client list that includes major commercial airlines. The newly-created positions will include mechanics, inspectors and back-shop utility workers, among other jobs.

The recruitment of North State Aviation was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $250,000. Administered by North Carolina Commerce, the One NC Fund provides financial assistance in support of local governments in creating jobs and attracting economic investment. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for grant funds. All One NC grants require a local government match.

In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the EDPNC, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Global TransPark Authority, NC Works, the North Carolina Community College System, Lenoir Community College, Lenoir County, the Lenoir County Economic Development Department and the Lenoir County Committee of 100.