Utili-Serve to Create 105 Jobs with $24.8M Expansion in Catawba County

Utili-Serve Commits to Major Expansion in Catawba County

In a move poised to bolster the local economy, Utili-Serve, LLC announced plans to expand its operations in Conover, North Carolina, promising the creation of 105 new jobs. The utility infrastructure company will be investing over $24.8 million to upgrade its headquarters and build a new 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

Governor Josh Stein highlighted the state’s favorable business environment as a catalyst for this expansion. “Companies like Utili-Serve are doubling down on their investments in North Carolina because we have the ingredients for businesses to succeed and grow,” said Stein. “This expansion strengthens our position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, and innovation as manufacturers help build our modern power grid.”

Utili-Serve has been serving the electrical power industry since its inception in Conover in 2008. The company specializes in services such as substation construction, transformer and apparatus services, and general construction, operating with 30 specialized construction crews throughout the southeastern United States.

The planned expansion in Conover is part of Utili-Serve’s broader growth strategy aimed at supporting utility-scale grid projects along the East Coast. The project will see the introduction of field control and protective relay panel manufacturing at the Conover site, enhancing support for energy providers and establishing the headquarters as a central hub for project management and logistics.

Ben Dietrich, President of Utili-Serve, expressed his commitment to the local community: “Conover is our home. Since 2008, we have connected North Carolina and the southeastern United States to power. As grid demand grows, Utili-Serve remains committed to supporting our energy partners, investing locally, expanding our capabilities, and creating new opportunities for our employees and community.”

Lee Lilley, N.C. Commerce Secretary, emphasized the significance of Utili-Serve’s decision: “Utili-Serve’s expansion reflects the confidence companies have in North Carolina’s business climate. This decision supercharges North Carolina’s reputation for technical excellence in the energy sector and underscores our commitment to create more opportunities for economic prosperity.”

The new positions will offer varying salaries for engineering and panel assembly roles, with an average annual salary of $62,400, surpassing the Catawba County average of $56,937. The economic impact of these jobs could amount to an annual payroll of nearly $6.6 million in the region.

The expansion is supported by a $250,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, which aids local governments in attracting economic investment and creating jobs. Companies that receive this grant must meet specific job creation and capital investment benchmarks. The grant also requires a matching contribution from local governments to be awarded.

Senator Mark Hollo praised the impact of Utili-Serve’s commitment: “Utili-Serve’s pledge to growing in Conover means increased prosperity for hardworking North Carolinians. These new roles will not only support and strengthen our community but also contribute to a resilient local economy and a bright future.”

The project enjoys the backing of several partners, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, and Duke Energy, among others.

—
Read the Full Press Release Here About This
Read More North Carolina News