Electric manufacturer expands western NC plant

RALEIGH — An Arkansas electric manufacturer says it will expand an existing plant in western North Carolina.

Gov. Beverly Perdue says the move by Baldor Electric Co. at its Buncombe County plant means an investment of nearly $5 million and a gain of 32 jobs over three years.

Baldor products include industrial electric motors and generators.

The company received a $64,000 grant from the state.

Baldor has 26 plants in the United States, Canada, England, Mexico and China. Three of its plants are in North Carolina and employ nearly 700 people.

In June, Baldor said it was adding 114 news jobs at its Cleveland County plant and in May it said there would be 25 new jobs at its McDowell County factory.

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