American Express picks NC site for data facility

GREENSBORO, N.C. — American Express is planning to bring a $400 million data services center to North Carolina, and it will do so without the types of incentives many companies look to pry from state and local governments.

Multiple media outlets reported Friday the company decided this week to build the facility in eastern Guilford County. It will ultimately employ up to 150 people.

American Express already has a Greensboro call center that employs 2,000 workers. Local officials had considered offering up to $13 million in incentives to entice another facility.

A company spokeswoman declined to comment on the decision.

County Commissioner Paul Gibson praised American Express. He thinks they’re building the facility without incentives because it’s a good business location.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)