Charlotte becomes home for energy giant, creating 100 jobs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte is now the American home for one of the world's energy giants.

Areva has decided to move its headquarters to Charlotte, and the expansion will create more than 100 jobs that will bring in six-figure salaries.

Eyewitness News found out why the Queen City was the company's obvious choice.

Its CEO gave Eyewitness News two reasons on Monday:

Charlotte-Douglas Airport, which can provide flights to Areva's global headquarters in Paris, to other states and to provinces in Canada where the company operates; and UNC Charlotte's new EPIC facility, providing a home-grown trained workforce.

"Now, this did not happen by accident," said Gov. Pat McCrory.

McCrory said it happened by design.

Charlotte has been trying to position itself as an energy hub.

"Charlotte has created a critical mass here – with the largest public utility. With the engineering firms that are coming here," said Tom Tillis.

In exchange for $2.5 million in tax breaks, Areva promises to create 130 high-paying jobs, but the chamber said it is not all about the money.

"Before they say cut my taxes or reduce regulations, they say we need talent," said Bob Morgan.

Areva CEO Mike Rencheck wore a UNCC tie for Monday's announcement because that is where his future talent is being trained.

"Being part of that energy hub, with strong academic background, makes all the difference in the world," he said.

So, Eyewitness News went to EPIC, which stands for Energy Production and Infrastructure Center.

"There is a control room up there," sai Dr. Zia Salami, who calls the program rare in America.

Companies located there can cherry-pick trained workers who already are living there.

Areva is already doing it.

"They hired six out of 10 new workers from UNCC. They are getting the freshest student. They know what is going on," said Salami.

Recently, Areva donated almost $2 million to the EPIC program, planting seeds for its future in Charlotte.

Salami said there is a gap in the energy industry right now.

Many older workers are nearing retirement without qualified replacements, so those trained are in demand.

Arvea is one of several companies adding new jobs to the Charlotte area in 2013.

Last month, Convergys announced it would expand both of its call centers and add 1,600 jobs.

Just last week, Rack Room Shoes announced 87 new positions for Mecklenburg County.

Also in February, a German-based auto-products maker chose Shelby for its first U.S. facility, bringing in 189 new jobs.

WSOC