Today, Governor Josh Stein announced Chatsworth Products, Inc. (CPI), a manufacturer of IT equipment, will add 45 new jobs in Craven County. The company will invest $11 million to expand its facility in New Bern.

“Our state’s ability to support manufacturing operations in all corners of the state will continue to grow our economy and ensure the benefits of that growth are more broadly shared across North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Chatsworth Products is reinvesting in Craven County because North Carolina is a great home for business and our workforce is the best.”

CPI, a global manufacturer of infrastructure hardware and equipment for the information and communication technology industries, has been delivering innovative solutions for more than three decades. As a 100% employee-owned company, CPI specializes in engineering thermal, power and cable management solutions for the data center, in addition to enterprise networking and industrial enclosures. The New Bern location will increase its production capacity and introduce new product lines in this expansion.

“Chatsworth Products has been delivering innovative Data Center infrastructure solutions for over 34 years to our global customer base fueled by our employee-ownership culture,” said Ted Behrens, CEO, Chatsworth Products. “This expansion in New Bern underscores our dedication to meeting customer needs while strengthening our role as a trusted partner in the IT and telecommunications industries. We are proud to deepen our roots in Craven County and contribute to the region’s economic growth with new opportunities and advanced manufacturing capabilities.”

“Chatsworth’s decision to expand is the result of what works well in North Carolina,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “In addition to a skilled workforce and talent development system, the intersection of manufacturing excellence and innovative leadership keeps us high on the list as a fast-growing tech hub that companies need to thrive.”

New positions include machine operators, packers, and warehouse staff. While wages vary by position, annual wages for new positions will average $50,224, which exceeds the Craven County average of $48,770. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $2.2 million for the region.

A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund awarded to Chatsworth Products will help facilitate the company’s expansion. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“These new jobs are a welcome addition to our region,” said N.C. Senator Bob Brinson. “Chatsworth’s commitment in Craven County is a testament to our state’s strong economy and well-educated workforce. I look forward to working with them for years to come.”

“We know Chatsworth could have expanded anywhere, but we’re glad they chose New Bern,” said N.C. Representative Steve Tyson. “We’re grateful for the diligent professionals as well as the state, regional and local officials that helped the company with its decision.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Craven Community College, NC East Alliance, North Carolina’s Southeast, Craven County, Craven 100 Alliance, and Duke Energy.