BAE Systems Tensylon High Performance Materials Incorporated Expanding in Monroe

Creating 42 new jobs and investing $7.9 million during the next three years in Union County.

August 31, 2007

UNION COUNTY NC NEWS -- BAE Systems Tensylon High Performance Materials Incorporated will expand in Union County, creating 42 new jobs and investing $7.9 million during the next three years. The company has accepted into a $40,000 One North Carolina Fund grant to financially assist in the expansion.

The BAE Systems Tensylon High Performance Materials facility in Monroe manufactures ultra high strength polyethylene materials used in antiballistic products including vehicle armor and personal body armor. Wages will vary at the company by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $714 plus benefits, which is more than the Union County average weekly wage of $643 not including benefits.

Lisa Owen, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Tensylon High Performance Materials Incorporated, said, "Union County and North Carolina are great places to do business and we are pleased to be able to continue and expand our operations here. We have a very dedicated workforce and this is a terrific community. We appreciate the support we have received from the state and the county and look forward to contributing to the economic vitality of this region."

Governor Easley, welcoming the defense contractor said, "BAE Systems Tensylon High Performance Materials' decision to expand in North Carolina is an example of the effectiveness of our focus on building a business climate that welcomes military-related companies. This firm's decision reflects the impact of the military presence in North Carolina, worth more than $18 billion annually to the state economy."

The One North Carolina Fund helps recruit and expand quality jobs in high value-added, knowledge-driven industries. It also provides financial assistance to those businesses or industries deemed vital to a healthy economy that are making significant efforts to expand in North Carolina. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon a local government match. Through the use of this Fund, more than 28,000 jobs and $4 billion in investment have been created since 2001.

Partners who helped make this expansion possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Union County and the Union County Partnership for Progress. For more information about BAE Systems Tensylon High Performance Materials in Monroe and employment opportunities, call (704) 283 8887.