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Kings Mountain leaders to make $500M economic development announcement [The Charlotte Observer :: ]
[February 22, 2014]

Kings Mountain leaders to make $500M economic development announcement [The Charlotte Observer :: ]


(Charlotte Observer (NC) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Feb. 22--KINGS MOUNTAIN -- Local leaders are calling a major economic development announcement scheduled for Monday the second largest in the city's history, and one that represents a $500 million investment.



Mayor Rick Murphrey wouldn't name the new company coming to this Cleveland County town of 12,000. The city's largest project was an AT&T data center in 2012 which he estimated as an investment of about $800 million.

During construction, the project will create 250 to 300 jobs, Murphrey said. Later 25 to 30 permanent jobs will be created, paying pay an average annual wagey of $60,000 to $70,000. And the firm will be a customer of all four utilities sold by the city -- water, sewer, electricity and gas.


The city has been working with the company for 1 1/2 years, Murphrey said. The new facility will be built in the southeast part of Cleveland County and be voluntarily annexed into the city of Kings Mountain, he said.

"We look forward to working with this company," said Murphrey. "We're excited about their commitment to this community. This will definitely enhance the infrastructure in the southeast part of the county." Murphrey said the company will use two to three million gallons of water daily, making it the city's largest water customer.

In 2013, the city got about 400 new jobs through new industries or expansions at existing businesses.

Murphrey attributed the success to great partnerships with the county economic development commission and N.C. Department of Commerce. But he said the city's pro-business climate, its location close to Interstate 85 and selling four utilities also played a part.

The availability of water has been particularly important, Murphrey said.

The economic development announcement will be made Monday at 6 p.m. at the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center, 909 E. King St., Kings Mountain.

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