Governor Stein Announces Expansion of IT Manufacturer in Craven County
Raleigh, N.C.—Chatsworth Products, Inc. (CPI), a renowned global manufacturer specializing in IT infrastructure hardware, is poised to expand its operations in Craven County, North Carolina. This development will bring 45 new jobs to the area and entails a significant investment of $11 million to enhance its New Bern facility.
Governor Josh Stein expressed enthusiasm about North Carolina’s continued growth as a manufacturing hub. “Our state’s ability to support manufacturing operations in all corners of the state will continue to grow our economy and ensure the benefits of that growth are more broadly shared across North Carolina,” remarked Governor Stein. He emphasized that companies like CPI find North Carolina attractive due to its conducive business environment and skilled workforce.
CPI, known for its innovative solutions in the data center and telecommunications industries, has a strong employee-owned culture. The company’s New Bern facility expansion will boost production capabilities and introduce new product lines, catering to the growing demands of its global customer base.
Ted Behrens, CEO of Chatsworth Products, highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction and regional growth. “This expansion in New Bern underscores our dedication to meeting customer needs while strengthening our role as a trusted partner in the IT and telecommunications industries,” he stated. “We are proud to deepen our roots in Craven County and contribute to the region’s economic growth with new opportunities and advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
The expansion aligns with the state’s vision of fostering a thriving tech ecosystem. N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley commented, “In addition to a skilled workforce and talent development system, the intersection of manufacturing excellence and innovative leadership keeps us high on the list as a fast-growing tech hub that companies need to thrive.”
The newly created positions at CPI range from machine operators to warehouse staff, with an average annual wage of $50,224, surpassing the Craven County average of $48,770. The influx of jobs could have a notable effect, potentially exceeding an annual payroll impact of $2.2 million for the local economy.
Supporting the expansion, a performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund has been awarded to CPI. These grants aim to attract economic investment and create jobs by providing financial assistance to local governments. The grants require companies to meet specific job creation and capital investment criteria before receiving funds, and they necessitate matching contributions from local governments.
Local officials have welcomed the news of CPI’s expansion. N.C. Senator Bob Brinson noted, “These new jobs are a welcome addition to our region. Chatsworth’s commitment in Craven County is a testament to our state’s strong economy and well-educated workforce.” N.C. Representative Steve Tyson added, “We know Chatsworth could have expanded anywhere, but we’re glad they chose New Bern.”
This expansion is the result of collaboration among various partners, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Craven Community College, NC East Alliance, North Carolina’s Southeast, Craven County, Craven 100 Alliance, and Duke Energy. These efforts underscore the region’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and supportive environment for business growth.
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