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Burke applies for grant to help mystery company bring jobs

By Sharon McBrayer | The News Herald

Published: October 21, 2009

Morganton - A manufacturing company is looking to open in Burke County and bring jobs.
But the company's identity remains a mystery as county economic development officials try to get it grants.
The Burke County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved an application for a reuse and restoration grant from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center. The grant is for $222,000, which requires a three percent — $6,660 — match from the county, said Wayne Harris, director of Burke Partnership for Economic Development.
Harris told commissioners the building needs at least $444,000 in upgrades.
The reuse and restoration grant requires the money be used on a facility that has been vacant for at least three months. It also requires a certain number of jobs be created. According to information from the county, the grant would be used on the old Bauer Industries building off U.S. 70 in Hildebran.
Before commissioners voted Tuesday night on the grant, Chair Ruth Ann Suttle said, "Anytime we can do anything to create jobs that's what we need to do."
Tuesday morning, Harris would not name the company, saying he's waiting on word from the state about another grant for the company. He said when the state gives a grant, it makes the announcement before anyone else.
He said whenever he hears about the grants, he will make an announcement about who the company is and what they will produce.
Harris said he hopes to hear about the state grant within 30 days.
Harris said the business is a goods-producing manufacturing company that could employ 50 people within the first year and up to 80 people within three years.