Vertex CEO: We will double in 2 years

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Representative David Rouzer began a self-proclaimed small business tour this week in the Cape Fear region, stopping at Cape Fear Community College and Vertex Rail Industries.

From big manufacturers to small restaurants, Rouzer says they are what makes the economy grow. Rouzer says he has a lot to learn from the rail industry, and what he learns will help him work at the federal level to help the industry grow.

That could help Vertex as CEO Donald Croteau says he plans to turn 1,300 employees into even more.

“Our hope here is to be able to expand this facility to double its size which means if we can double the work force,” Croteau said.

Croteau said they already have a large demand as train cars across the country are becoming too old for new regulations. Rouzer said that alone will help them grow.

“Well in their particular case, it’s actually a rule and regulation in terms of standards for new cars that is going to be a benefit to them, because they have the product and the capacity to manufacture those,” Rouzer said. “That actually is going to drive their production and their opportunity to employ people in this area.”

Croteau also said they even turned down state incentives to get the company started quicker.