New pushes made by manufacturing companies in the southeastern United States stand to bring more than 150 new positions to the field.
In Gaston County, North Carolina, glass fiber technology manufacturer Owens Corning plans to start a new operation, creating 110 new jobs in the region and investing more than $120 million in the Gastonia Technology Park by 2016, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The company’s new operation is expected to be completed in mid-to-late 2015 and will include a manufacturing line, coating capability and resources for research and development with further potential for expansion in future years. Owens Corning’s glass fiber materials are used in the transportation, industrial and construction industries. While they didn’t list salaries, annual payroll for the new jobs will be more than $5.7 million.
Another manufacturing company, Mars Petcare, plans to invest $50 million in an expansion of its Arkansas operations, adding 42 new positions in pet food production in Fort Smith, according to the Fort Smith Times Record. Construction is already underway with operations expected to begin in the winter.
Mars Petcare is known for its production of wet pet food for private brands and the product Cesar Canine Cuisine.