Canadian company investing $15 million in Bladen County rebar plant, adding 83 new jobs
BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) –A Canadian construction materials company is bringing a major manufacturing investment to Bladen County.
Governor Josh Stein announced Thursday that MST Rebar Inc., a Toronto-based fiberglass rebar supplier, will establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Bladenboro. The company plans to invest more than $15.5 million and create 83 new jobs in the region.
“North Carolina has the largest and most talented advanced manufacturing workforce in the Southeast – and it’s a great place to live,” said Governor Stein. “We are pleased to welcome MST Rebar to our state.”
Founded in 2012 by two brothers, MST Rebar designs and produces fiberglass composite rebar that the company says is stronger, lighter, and more durable than steel. The company is known for its environmentally sustainable materials used in large-scale industrial and transportation projects. Its new 56,000-square-foot Bladenboro facility will be capable of producing up to 75 miles of rebar each day.
“MST-BAR is a revolutionary industrial product,” said David Richardson, President of MST Rebar. “It’s corrosion resistant, stronger than steel, lasts longer than the concrete it is reinforcing. Our fiber glass rebar is produced with less energy and has a very low carbon footprint. We are proud to have MST-BAR in the construction of North Carolina’s Alligator River Bridge.”
The new jobs will include apprentice machinists, inspectors, and engineers. The average annual salary is expected to be $54,361, which is above the county average of $46,867. The new jobs could create a potential payroll impact of more than $4.5 million each year.
A $250,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund will support MST Rebar’s expansion into the state. The fund helps local governments attract new investment, with payments contingent on job creation and capital investment milestones being met.
Bladen County leaders say the announcement marks a significant milestone for the region’s growth and revitalization.
“This is outstanding news for Bladen County and the entire state of North Carolina,” said Senator Brent Jackson. “I want to thank the diligent economic developers and elected officials who helped us recruit such an incredible company to Bladenboro.”
“MST Rebar could have made this investment anywhere in the world, but they chose Bladen County,” said Representative William D. Brisson. “We look forward to welcoming them to our community and developing a long-term partnership that supports our shared vision and growth.”
In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Golden LEAF Foundation, North Carolina Community College System, Bladen Community College, North Carolina’s Southeast, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, Four County EMC, Bladen County, Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial, Inc., Bladen County Economic Development Commission, Boost the Boro, and the town of Bladenboro.
