Goldhofer Inc to establish US headquarters in Hickory

On June 30, Gov. Josh Stein announced that Goldhofer Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of heavy transport and airport ground support equipment, would establish its first US manufacturing facility in Hickory, promising to invest $19.5 million in the facility and create 80 new jobs in Catawba County. 

“We are delighted to welcome Goldhofer to Catawba County,” said Stein in a press release. “North Carolina has more advanced manufacturing talent than any other state in the Southeast, offering global companies a skilled workforce, a strong ecosystem for innovation, and a great business climate for growth.”

This Germany-based company employs roughly 1,000 people worldwide and generates more than $350 million in annual sales. Operations in manufacturing, service, and sales are spread across India, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. 

“When we thought about where Goldhofer needs to grow in North America, North Carolina kept rising to the top,” said David Weinmann, CEO of Goldhofer Inc., in a press release. “Skilled people, solid infrastructure, and a business environment that supports manufacturing. We’re committing to the US for the long haul, and Hickory is where we will start the next chapter.” 

The Hickory facility will be an 80,000 sq ft facility constructed at the Trivium Corporate Center. The 80 new jobs promised are projected to create an annual payroll impact of up to $4.7 million for the region. 

This project is partially funded by a $200,000 grant from One North Carolina Fund (OneNC Fund). The OneNC Fund helps local governments attract new businesses, encourage private investment, and create jobs. Funding is not received upfront by the company, which must meet job creation and investment targets before any grant money is awarded. OneNC grants require local governments to match financial support.

“While Gov. Stein says he opposes across-the-board corporate tax cuts because they would benefit out-of-state corporations, he nevertheless has no problem endorsing this deal that would force North Carolina taxpayers to directly hand $200,000 to benefit a foreign corporation,” Brian Balfour, VP of research at the John Locke Foundation, told the Carolina Journal. “Government putting their thumb on the scale to provide favors and privileges to politically-chosen corporations at the expense of working taxpayers is unfair and bad economics. Those businesses that most efficiently provide goods and services that consumers desire should be the ones that succeed, not those that hire the best lobbyists.”

“Goldhofer Inc to establish US headquarters in Hickory” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.