RALEIGH, NC --  Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Fendrich Industries Inc, a manufacturer of textiles and printed cloth fabrics, will expand its operations by locating a new division in Polk County.  The company plans to create 23 jobs and invest $740,000 over the next three years in Tryon. The project was made possible in part by an $115,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“Our state’s workforce – especially in the textile industry – is second to none, thanks to our historic investments in education and job training programs,” said Gov. Perdue. “Our strong business climate makes North Carolina a great place for companies like Fendrich Industries to thrive.”

Fendrich Industries, a family-owned operation, operates in three divisions: Carolina Manufacturing Company, Union County Printworks and Carolina Yarn Processors. The company produces a variety of printed cloth products such as bandannas.  It also bleaches and dyes natural and synthetic yarn for weavers in the home furnishings industry. Fendrich Industries currently employs more than 40 people at its Polk County facility.

Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual salary for the new jobs will be $28,739, plus benefits. The Polk County average annual wage is $28,496.

“Fendrich purchased Carolina Yarn Processors in 1986 and Tryon has been a great place for doing business,” said David Moore, President of Fendrich Industries. “Our company has many dedicated long-term employees at CYP and we look forward to increasing employment in Polk County. This grant was a key factor in our decision to expand in North Carolina.”

The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state.  Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.  These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate.  Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state works aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.

Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 60,000 jobs and $11 billion in investment have been created since 2001.  Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Polk County, Town of Tryon and the Polk County Economic and Tourism Development Board.