GF Linamar LLC, a joint venture between Georg Fischer AG and Linamar Corporation, announced plans today to create 350 jobs and construct a state-of-the-art aluminum die casting operation in Henderson County, North Carolina. Drawing from both partners’ expertise, the company will produce light-weight powertrain, driveline and structural components for the automotive industry.

“We are very pleased to announce that we have selected Henderson County, North Carolina as the site of GF Linamar LLC,” stated Linda Hasenfratz, CEO of Linamar. “A fantastic workforce and great business environment will drive our success to serve customers in the southern US.”

The company will break ground in Ferncliff Park, strategically located on the Interstate 26 corridor in Western North Carolina’s employment center. $217 million will be invested in building and equipment over seven years, with production scheduled to begin in mid-2017. Over the next five years, 350 new jobs will be created with an average wage of $47,738 per year, resulting in $16.7 million in new annual payroll.

“We appreciate very much the warm welcome and the support from the State of North Carolina and the Henderson County authorities,” commented Yves Serra, CEO of GF. “The location is ideal for us and we look forward to a prosperous future for our joint venture in the US.”

“The investment, wages and the potential to support and partner with our existing industries is incredibly exciting for our community and for the continued strength of our local economy,” said Tommy Thompson, Chairman of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners.

“GF Linamar’s decision to locate in Henderson County further reinforces the fact that leading global companies view Henderson County as a desirable employment destination,” said Adam Shealy, Chair of the HCPED Board of Directors. “A number of dedicated economic development partners worked together very effectively to encourage and facilitate GF Linamar’s location decision, including: the Economic Development Partnership of NC & NC Department of Commerce, Henderson County, NC Community College System & Blue Ridge Community College, Golden LEAF Foundation, Town of Mills River and Duke Energy.”

For more information on the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development and its role in protecting and building a strong local economy, visit www.strategiclocation.com.