GE-Hitachi expands in Wilmington

A blockbuster economic announcement from Governor Easley today.

GE-Hitachi is expanding its nuclear operations here in the Wilmington area, creating 900 jobs over the next five years. The company is investing more than 700 million dollars, complemented by a considerable investment by the state. Officials say the average salary will be eighty five thousand dollars, more than twice the current average salary in New Hanover County.

“We’re gonna have a 21st century work force all over this state,” Governor Easley said. “We’re going to have the best work force in the country over the next two years.”

“We envision hundreds of people being trained through Cape Fear Community College to make this expansion possible,” said CFCC President Dr. Eric McKeithan.

The new plant could include commercial nuclear technology unlike anywhere else in the country. Cape Fear Community College has already started training technicians to work at the facility.