Swedish appliance maker Electrolux said today it will move its North American headquarters to Charlotte, bringing 738 jobs in what the Charlotte Chamber says is the city's largest headquarters announcement in 25 years.
"This is a big day," said Gov. Bev Perdue, making the announcement at the Chamber while standing before a display of Electrolux kitchen appliances. "This is a big company."
Kevin Scott, chief executive of Electrolux North America, said the decision to move the headquarters from Augusta was difficult. However, he said, "I am convinced we have made a fantastic choice."
It was unclear how many new jobs would be created locally.
Scott said the first wave of workers would arrive next summer as the company consolidates operations from seven sites, including sales and finance for major appliances in Huntersville. An S.C. design center also is among the operations moving to Charlotte. Others are in Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Springfield, Tenn.
By the end of 2010, Scott said the company should have a clear outline of the work force's makeup. The jobs will be in general management, including finance, marketing, sales and logistics.
Scott said he was impressed with the area's transportation network and the professionalism of economic development efforts by the city, county and state. He also said he was impressed by the quality of the local work force.
"We are planning to utilize some of the talent," he said when asked to be specific about the number of people to be hired locally.
Read more at CharlotteObserver.com