Issue link: http://businessnc.epubxp.com/i/756318
31 N O R T H C A R O L I N A E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T G U I D E a plant near Greenville, S.C., about 45 minutes south of Henderson County. It will be Demmel's fi rst U.S. facility. "Auto-parts manufacturing is a big priority for us," says Andrew Tate, president and CEO of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development. "These companies are taking note of the area's many advantages, and we anticipate more and more will be moving here. Part of our responsibility as economic developers and stewards of North Carolina is to make sure these companies understand the inherent advantages that come with doing business here." Tate is quick to point out western North Carolina's many perks for new and expanding auto-parts manufacturers, including aff ordable property taxes and beautiful natural scenery. Asheville, known for its breweries, acclaimed restaurants and art galleries, is in adjacent Buncombe County and about a 30-minute drive from Hendersonville, the county seat. Tina Köhler, a spokesperson for Switzerland-based GF Automotive, says the company chose Henderson County because of its proximity to both the existing Linamar plant and its U.S. customers. "We also found a strong, skilled and dedicated workforce, and we are getting great support from the community," Köhler says. This support includes Blue Ridge Community College, which serves Henderson and Transylvania counties. The two-year institution works closely with area businesses to promote economic development and off ers a new advanced-manufacturing program that focuses on plastics and metal molding. Köhler says GF Automotive recently arranged to provide a die-casting machine for the college to support the training of potential new employees. Other local resources include Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, which has a variety of workforce-development Is your site ready for the digital economy? Broadband infrastructure is a must-have for todayʼs tech-savvy site selectors. Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large corporations all view it as a necessary tool to survive and compete in local, national, and global markets. A site without ready access to fiber, telecommunication service redundancy and diversity, and competitive services from multiple providers might as well be an open field. Knowing what technology is available and where it is located can make all the difference in site selection. At ECC Technologies we specialize in telecommunications infrastructure assessments for the economic development community. We work with an array of public and private partners, including local governments, economic developers, the business community, civil engineering companies, site consultants, power companies, broadband providers, and other partners to provide the most comprehensive site analysis available to you. Donʼt you want one of the lead marketers of dark fiber across North Carolina on your team? A Telecommunications Consulting Firm ECC Technologies, Inc. 13341 New Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh, NC 27614 984-204-7506 www.ecctechnologies.com Donʼt let your site fall behind the competition. Contact us today! PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THEY CAN ACTUALLY LIVE HERE, MAKE GOOD MONEY AND WORK WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT FOR CUTTING-EDGE COMPANIES. IT'S LIKE HITTING THE JACKPOT." C O R N E L B R O E N N E R D E M M E L "