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Public Hearing - Re: Commissioner Keigher - EDC - To Authorize a Gaston County Economic Development Grant - Stabilus
1. Receive Citizen Comment
2. Accept Motion to Approve Resolution
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STAFF CONTACT
Donny Hicks - Economic Development Commission - 704-825-4046
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
Appropriate $25,000 from EDC revenue account to expenditure account.
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BUDGET ORDINANCE IMPACT
Appropriate $25,000
BACKGROUND
As the demand for products from the Stabilus Gastonia facility has increased, the need for a more efficient production floor and a more highly skilled workforce has become a necessity. In order for the Stabilus Gastonia facility to maintain the production activity required of them by the needs of the current market, the following is required:
• Increased maintenance hands-on training
• Increased maintenance specialty training
• Increased safety training both hands on and awareness
• Development of future employees
• Cross department understanding of the requirement to take a production from concept to shipment
• Increased understanding of each departments needs and procedures in the creation of a product
The incentive will facilitate the installation of an MA 401 machine in 2019, at the Stabilus facility in Gastonia, a $20 million dollar investment. The Stabilus facility was selected over all other Stabilus Worldwide Centers of Operations for the installation and operation of this, and other major machinery investments. Initial training through Stabilus has been completed, but the training lacks continued learning and development of the technicians that operate the machines. Stabilus has also spent thousands of training dollars in classroom settings, which doesn’t allow employees to hone these skills once they are back at the facility. The creation of this training center will allow for both hands-on and classroom training in a controlled environment, and where employees can apply their training on the production floor. This training and development center will also create a unique opportunity to partner with Gaston College and set a new standard for the training and development of both current and prospective manufacturing employees. Utilizing the programs offered by Gaston College, the partnership between college and the company will successfully develop a highly skilled automation workforce for Stabilus and Gaston County.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution; Budget Change Request