Company expansion brings 98 jobs to Burke

By: From Staff Reports | Hickory Daily Record
Published: May 12, 2010

RALEIGH — Burke County will get 98 new jobs, thanks to VSA LLC, a recycler of automotive catalytic converters.

The company plans to put its production plant in Morganton. VSA's total investment is expected to be $4.5 million over the next two years. The project was made possible in part by a $98,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, according to Gov. Bev Perdue, who announced the venture Tuesday.

"North Carolina is a national leader in the green economy sector, attracting growing, innovative companies like this one," Perdue said.

"Our skilled workers, custom training programs and highly rated business climates remain top draws for businesses seeking the best location to create jobs, invest and develop new environmentally friendly technologies."

VSA has its headquarters and a pilot plant in Morganton.

The company has completed research and development operations and initial production work on its recycling process for catalytic converters, which are devices that reduce toxic emissions from internal combustion engines.

The expansion in Morganton will enable VSA to move to a full-scale industrial operation.

Salaries will vary by job function, but the annual average wage for the new jobs will be $30,186, not including benefits. That is above the Burke County average annual wage of $28,964.

"We selected Morganton for its proximity to major highways and because it has one of the cheapest energy costs in the country," said Financial Director Alex Styagov.

"We were also pleased by the low property taxes, abundance of industrial space, a highly qualified workforce and city, county and state business incentive programs."

The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state.

Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Perdue said 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.

The One NC Fund is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs and $7 billion in investment since 2001.

Other partners that helped with the VSA project include the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Burke County, City of Morganton, N.C. Rural Economic Development Center and Duke Energy.

For more information about VSA LLC, go to www.vsallc.com.

For details about job opportunities with the company, contact VSA at 584-9898.