Company plans to create 189 jobs in Cleveland County

SHELBY, N.C. — Nearly 200 new jobs are headed to Cleveland County, where unemployment is still in the double digits.

On Friday, a German-based auto products maker announced it chose Shelby to build its first U.S. facility.

Leaders of the auto parts maker promised to hire most of their workers in Cleveland County, and local and state officials promised big breaks on taxes and utilities.

Job seeker Kenneth Byrd is hoping that deal will put him back to work.

“We have so many people that's down here at the unemployment office, like I am today,” he said.

He began crying when he said he lost his job Thursday. And Friday, he wasn’t finding much in a county with an unemployment rate at 10.6 percent.

“I am out of work two years away from retirement, and so I need a job desperately,” he said.

The CEO of KSM Castings said trained workers like Byrd are part of the reason why his company decided to build its first North American plant near Shelby. The jobs will pay an average of $42,000.

“We have great people who live here. They are going to be thankful to have these jobs,” said Rep. Tim Moore, R-Cleveland County.

The other reason is the incentives package. The state is giving KSM $4.1 million. Local officials are giving $3.9 million.

The state secretary of commerce said this is not a gift.

“It's based on their adding jobs over a course of about five years and investment over the same period of time,” Sharon Allred Decker said.

KSM Castings will start hiring later this year.

Byrd hopes he can work with them when production starts next year.

Local economic development officials said they hope the announcement sends a signal to other companies that Cleveland County is a good place to do business.

For more information about KSM Castings, including job opportunities, click here.

WSOC