US Conec to Create 224 Jobs with $149.7M Investment in Catawba County

In a significant economic development, US Conec Ltd. is set to enhance its presence in Catawba County by creating 224 new jobs. Governor Josh Stein revealed that the company, known for its high-density optical interconnects, will invest over $149.7 million in a modern manufacturing facility in Hickory.

Governor Josh Stein emphasized the benefits of conducting business in the state, stating, “North Carolina companies appreciate the advantages of operating in our state. US Conec’s decision to expand here validates the strength of our manufacturing base, our skilled talent, and our stable business climate.”

Founded in 1992 and based in Hickory, US Conec serves global markets with essential components for sectors including telecommunications and industrial applications. This expansion will introduce a 200,000-square-foot facility dedicated to advanced manufacturing, research and development, and distribution.

“The support of our state leaders for US Conec’s expansion is great news for North Carolina, for Catawba County, and for our industry,” said Tracey Horton, president of US Conec. “The expansion will create highly skilled jobs, enhance US Conec’s manufacturing capabilities in Catawba County and help meet growing demand driven by deployments of advanced computing infrastructure. We appreciate the attractive environment North Carolina has created for advanced manufacturing and look forward to continuing to invest in our team, our operations, and the communities where we work.”

N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the positive implications for Catawba County: “This expansion is more great news for our innovation economy and the advanced computing supply chain in Catawba County. Investments like these help position rural communities to compete for high-demand industries as it attracts global companies that will create more jobs and increase resiliency.”

The new positions, including roles for engineers and technicians, offer an average salary of $56,982, slightly above the county’s current average. This initiative is expected to inject an annual payroll impact of over $12.7 million into the region.

Supporting this growth, a $500,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund will aid US Conec’s expansion, contingent on the company’s fulfillment of job creation and investment goals. These grants necessitate local government participation, ensuring shared responsibility and benefit.

“This is another great win for Catawba County and the entire State of North Carolina,” said Senator Mark Hollo. “US Conec has been a great corporate citizen and we stand ready to support the company in this next phase of growth.”

Representative Jay Adams also expressed enthusiasm: “We welcome these new jobs and investment to Hickory. We appreciate the diligent work of the state and local officials as well as the economic development professionals that helped the company make this decision.”

The initiative has seen collaboration from multiple key organizations, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and a variety of local and educational entities such as the North Carolina Community College System and Catawba Valley Community College, along with utility providers like Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas.