County approves Project Pillar incentive that the company says will create 37 jobs

The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners approved an economic development incentive for Project Pillar on July 27 after a staff presentation and a company overview.

Jesse Trivet presented Project Pillar as an expansion of an existing manufacturing operation. Company representative Derek O'Dell, director of manufacturing for Chase Corporation, described consolidation of an Oxford, Mass., site into the Lenoir facility and told the board the project will create 37 new permanent full-time jobs and retain approximately 200 existing jobs in North Carolina. Trivet and O'Dell said the project represents approximately $473,000 in total capital investment, of which roughly $373,000 was for real-property improvements.

The proposed incentives include participation in the Rural Division building reuse program with an estimated program value of $186,000, subject to program requirements and performance obligations (including confirmation of a $400,000 investment and retention of the new hires for at least six months). County staff said the county would provide the required 5% match—about $9,300—paid from the sales tax reinvestment fund. No members of the public signed up to speak on the item during the public hearing portion, and the board approved the incentive by voice vote.

"With the approval of this grant, this will help us invest in our infrastructure and get the site ready for incoming equipment," Derek O'Dell said. The board urged residents interested in the new openings to apply when hiring begins.