Global environmental company EPOC Enviro (EPOC) is establishing its first North American manufacturing operations in Statesville, an announcement that is expected to bring a $5.72 million investment and create 226 jobs.
EPOC Enviro is a subsidiary of OPEC Systems, an Australian firm with three decades of global environmental engineering experience. At the new site in Statesville, EPOC plans to manufacture a clean and sustainable remediation solution that removes harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water, soil, and industrial systems. The new location will provide 260,000 square feet of manufacturing space to serve and expand its U.S. market.
“After looking at possible sites all over America we are delighted to have settled on North Carolina as the hub for our U.S. business activities,” Peter Murphy, president of EPOC Enviro, said. “Statesville is perfectly situated in a beautiful corner of the country and it is exactly the kind of community we were hoping to become an integral part of.”
“EPOC could have selected any place in the world for this expansion and we’re delighted they chose Statesville,” N.C. Sen. Vickie Sawyer said. “Manufacturers can reach more than 70% of the nation’s population in two days from Iredell County, and is near one of the world’s busiest airports, making it a great area for foreign direct investment.”
New positions include electricians, engineers, fitters, managers, technicians, and administrative personnel. The project could create a potential annual payroll impact of more than $14.5 million per year for the region.
“We are excited about the company’s decision to locate in Statesville,” Mayor Costi Kutteh said. “Clean, high-paying jobs are what every community needs. We look forward to working closely with leadership as they transition into Statesville and become part of our ever-expanding patchwork.”
Key partners in the project include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the North Carolina Community College System, Mitchell Community College, Iredell County, Iredell County Economic Development Corporation, the City of Statesville, and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
The project was awarded a Job Investment Development Grant and workforce training support from the State of North Carolina. The City of Statesville and Iredell County are scheduled to hold public hearings for the consideration of local incentives.
“It’s great to welcome EPOC Enviro to Iredell County in the nationally recognized top state for business with the best workers in the world,” North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said. “Our fight against polluted water and climate change will be bolstered by this company’s innovative products and its commitment to sustainability.”