New jobs announced for Stoneville

A new expansion planned for SANS Technical Fibers, LLC in Stoneville will bring 25 new jobs and an additional investment of $2.8 million in machinery and equipment to the Western Rockingham area.

Gov. Bev Perdue’s office announced Wednesday that the Gastonia-based company, which manufactures synthetic nylon filament and yarn for military and automotive uses, has received a $60,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund to help with the expansion.

“North Carolina remains a top choice for successful companies adapting to compete in a global marketplace,” Perdue said in a statement.  “Our exceptional quality of life and skilled workforce continue to attract companies looking for the perfect location to expand and prosper.”

SANS Technical Fibers is a wholly owned subsidiary of AECI Limited of South Africa.  AECI consolidated its fiber-producing operations to the Stoneville plant, which currently employs about 100 people.

The Stoneville plant will manufacture high-performance nylon industrial fibers for sewing thread, knitting and weaving operations in the automotive market and for military vests, packs and parachutes. 

Graham Pervier, president of the Rockingham County Partnership for Economic Development, said the 25 new jobs would be hourly positions and pay an average wage of $25,669, not including benefits.

“It’s really exciting to see one of our local companies expanding during such a tough economic climate, especially when you see how hard areas like Winston-Salem have been hit in the last few months,” Pervier said.

Although the promised 25 jobs are all expected for now, Pervier said everyone is optimistic that there could be more coming in the future.

The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects which will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state.  Companies receive no money up front and must meet performance standards to qualify for grant funds.  These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

Stoneville Town Administrator Kevin Baughn said the town and county would consider separate incentives at their January meetings.

“The town council and county commissioners will get together and come up with the necessary funds to secure the grant,” Baughn said. “But like any incentives, the funds would remain contingent on the fulfillment of proposed investments and jobs by SANS, and those goals are still about three years away.”

N.C. Rep. Nelson Cole expressed excitement concerning the announcement of new expansion in the Stoneville area and credited the state’s commitment to creating a better atmosphere for business growth.

“During these tough economic times, it’s important to make the right investments to create jobs and grow businesses,” said Cole.

North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through the JobsNOW initiative, the state works aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.

Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 40,000 jobs and $7 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other project partners include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Rockingham County, Rockingham County Partnership for Economic & Tourism Development, Town of Stoneville and Duke Energy.

For information on job opportunities at SANS Technical Fibers, visit the company’s Web site, .