Carolina Technical Plastics to Expand by 50 More Jobs

Craven County company will create 50 more jobs and invest $5 million during the next three years

August 25, 2007

CRAVEN COUNTY NC NEWS -- Having already met a 2002 Craven County agreement for a $7.8 million investment and an initial workforce of 10 employees to grow to 70 employees in 10 years. The Carolina Technical Plastics Corporation (CTP), a subsidiary of Wirthwein AG, will expand in Craven County, creating 50 more jobs and investing $5 million during the next three years. Carolina Technical Plastics Corporation also accepted a $75,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

Founded in Creglingen, Southern Germany, in 1949, Wirthwein is a privately held corporation with six locations in Germany and Poland. Wirthwein employs more than 300 people, with Carolina Technical Plastics Corporation is its seventh company.

Carolina Technical Plastics Corporation is a leading supplier of injection molded plastic parts, components and systems to companies in the home appliance and automotive industries. Furthermore, CTP has strong ties with the local Craven County BSH Home Appliances company, who has also pledged to expand its New Bern manufacturing facility in December of 2006. BSH Home Appliances accepted a Job Development Investment Grant (JIDG) to add more than 200 jobs during the next five years and generating an investment of $11 million. BSH Home Appliances is a subsidiary of German manufacturer Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte, the world's third largest home appliance maker, and in 2002, the company announced a $200 million expansion at the New Bern facility.

Although a young company, CTP is guided by the Wirthwein group ideals, as well as new and creative inputs. CTP strives to consistently meet or exceed its customer´s expectations. The CTP facility produces plastic parts and components for the home appliance and automotive industry. This is done with the latest technological injection molding machinery available. CTP utilizes robotized injection molding machines with clamping forces up to 1,600 tons. Interestingly, CTP also uses various techniques including vibration welding, hot stamping, and metal inserting.

CEO Udo Wirthwein said, "We are very pleased to expand our business here in Craven County. It is a tremendous effort by a lot of people that this addition could be realized only four years after the start of doing business in North America. North Carolina is located in close proximity to our major markets and provides excellent support in many areas, such as workforce development."

Governor Easley said, "Carolina Technical Plastics' decision to expand in Craven County is another example of the effectiveness of North Carolina's continued focus on providing a business-friendly environment that encourages businesses to succeed and expand. North Carolina is 8th in the nation for employment in the plastics industry and this announcement strengthens our reputation in this industry."

North Carolina State Representative, William Wainwright of Craven County said of the expandsion, "The General Assembly has provided policies that help growing companies bring more jobs to our communities. I am proud to have worked in the state House of Representatives to encourage these laws that promote economic development."

North Carolina State Representative, Alice Underhill of Craven County also commented, "These kinds of announcements require cooperation from a variety of agencies. I am proud of the unified effort made by the state, local and private groups that helped make this expansion possible."

Other partners that helped make this company expansion possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, North Carolina's Eastern Region, Golden Leaf Foundation, Craven County, Craven Community College, Craven County Committee of 100 and the Craven County Economic Development Commission.

CTP now employs 70 people at its facility in the Craven County Industrial Park in New Bern. While wages vary by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $600 plus benefits, which is more than the Craven County average weekly wage of $563 not including benefits. For more information about Carolina Technical Plastics Corporation in Craven County, or possible employment opportunities, please search CTP job listings at www.ctplastics.net under Career/Jobs, and contact Melissa Krauss, Human Resources Manager at (252) 634 2871 ext. 236, or email: krauss@ctplastics.net