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County manager announces GE expansion in West Jefferson: about 44 jobs and $53 million investment
Summary
County managers announced that GE intends to expand operations in West Jefferson, a project estimated to add about 44 jobs with average pay near $53,000 and roughly $53 million in building and equipment investment, a change expected to increase the local tax base.
The Ashe County manager told the board on Dec. 1 that "Project Pandora" — the county's placeholder name for a business recruitment win — will be an expansion by GE in West Jefferson that the manager said is expected to create about 44 jobs and involve roughly $53 million in building and equipment investment.
Manager described the development as a 35,000-square-foot addition to an existing plant and said the company is "looking at adding 44 new jobs, with the average salary about $53,000." He said the $53 million figure reflects building and equipment and noted that the taxable property increase is material for the town and county tax base.
Commissioners welcomed the announcement and noted GE's prior local significance, including that GE previously represented more than one-third of the West Jefferson tax base. The manager said the county and economic-development staff would have more details in local media coverage in coming days.
No board action was required at the meeting; commissioners thanked staff and the economic-development team for pursuing the prospect.
