Lenoir County does it again! Commerce Overseas Corporation Moving to Global TransPark

Commerce Overseas Corporation provides spare part solutions for military aircraft and land defense systems

August 10, 2007

LENOIR COUNTY NC NEWS -- Lenoir County does it again! Commerce Overseas Corporation (COC) will relocate to the Global TransPark in Lenoir County, creating 72 jobs and investing $4.3 million over the next three years. The California company also has attained $75,000 One North Carolina Fund Grant to help in relocation. Earlier this year, Lenoir County and its economic development partners wooed another California company, AG Machining Inc, to Kinston.

Now, Commerce Overseas Corporation (COC) of Tustin, California will move its headquarters and a warehouse distribution and manufacturing facility to the Global TransPark. While wages will vary by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $721 plus benefits, which is higher than the Lenoir County average weekly wage of $506 not including benefits.

Commerce Overseas Corporation CEO Chris Garville announcing the company's relocation said: "After more than a year and a half of careful evaluation, COC found North Carolina was its best choice. From the positive reception we received from everyone in the state to the warmth and friendliness of the local people, our choice was made. The beauty of the state, the willingness of the workforce, the affordability of living and the ‘Southern Hospitality' are added bonuses."

Commerce Overseas Corporation was established in 1967, to provide spare parts solutions for military aircraft and land defense systems. With a global customer base throughout the world, COC now provides a comprehensive outsource purchasing service to U.S. and international corporations. Customers include General Electric, Ford, TRW, General Motors, and others. COC maintains its competitive edge by performing specialized outsourcing purchasing services, designed to provide lower costs, faster delivery and assured quality. In addition, COC has more than 36,000 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tools for manufacturing spare parts. COC products support famous military defense equipment such as F18 fighter jets, Blackhawk helicopters and M1 Abrams tanks.

Types of the equipment supported include:

• Structural parts
• Hardware items
• Avionics
• Hydraulics
• Electrical
• Electronics
• Ground support for aircraft and crew.

Commerce Overseas Corporation also uses the most current quality systems available including ISO 9001:2000, and the U.S. Military's MIL-I-45208A. COC is certified by the United States/Canada Joint Certification Office, Defence Logistics Agency under DD2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement.

Governor Easley commenting on Commerce Overseas Corporation's decision to relocate to North Carolina said: "Commerce Overseas Corporation's decision to move to North Carolina is a clear indication that our highly skilled workforce and business-friendly climate are attracting companies from across the country. The aerospace industry in North Carolina employs more than 23,000 people at 350 companies."

The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon a local match. Through the use of this fund, more than 25,000 jobs and $3.5 billion in investment have been created since 2001.

Partners who contributed to this economic development project include the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Global TransPark Authority, N.C. Global TransPark Foundation, Lenoir County, Neuse River Development Authority, Lenoir Community College, the Golden LEAF Foundation and the N.C. Aerospace Alliance.

For more information about Commerce Overseas Corporation and employment opportunities, contact Steve Inabinet, Executive Vice President and General Manager at stevei@CommerceOverseas.com, (714) 505-6410 or (252) 560-5422. or visit: CommerceOverseas.com

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

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