PENDER COUNTY, N.C. — An overseas hose manufacturer is looking to expand just outside of Wilmington, N.C., as Polyhose Inc. of India will bring 51 jobs and invest $7.9 million in a warehouse and assembly plant in Pender County.
The planned facility, at 40,000 square feet, will be built along U.S. Route 421 and used for hose assembly and distribution, according to a release from the North Carolina's governor's office.
"Polyhose is thrilled to be making its first significant U.S. investment in Pender County, North Carolina," Jonathan Pressler, Polyhose senior vice president, said in a statement. "Polyhose looks forward to being an involved employer and positive contributor to the Pender County and North Carolina communities."
Wages for the 51 employees at the North Carolina location could be as high as $38,216 a year, the release said. A $75,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund will assist Polyhose with its operations.
"This is exciting news for Pender County," said North Carolina Sen. Bill Rabon. "Our region is positioned to support Polyhose's global growth for many years to come."
Polyhose, which began with a lone thermoplastic division in 1996, specializes in elastomer, polymer, fluoropolymer, stainless steel flexible and ultra-high pressure hoses, along with the engineering and manufacture of various types of fluid connectors. Its customers include such firms as Boeing, Caterpillar, Graco and Wagner SprayTech, the release said.
The global hose maker employs 1,800 worldwide, with facilities and offices in New Jersey, India, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.