Crown Equipment Corporation announced its plan to invest up to $13 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Kinston. This expansion will create more than 130 new jobs in Lenoir County.

“We are extremely thankful for the corporate partnership we have with CROWN Equipment,” said Keely Koonce, Vice President, North Carolina Global Transpark Economic Development Region.

Crown, originally founded in Ohio is one of the world’s leading material handling companies.

“This expansion is part of Crown’s long-term growth strategy and will provide additional space and capability to support our business growth,” said Todd Frideger, Crown Equipment Corporation Plant Manager.

For more than 30 years, Crown has been one of the largest employers in Lenoir County. The company’s expansion in Kinston will provide additional manufacturing and assembly space to meet growing customer demand.

“They are a tremendous asset in our community, region, and state. We look forward to the opportunity to continue the relationship in providing good, paying jobs for Eastern North Carolina,” said Koonce.

According to the press release from Governor Cooper, a performance-based grant of $400,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Crown Equipment’s expansion. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“The expansion includes the facility, infrastructure, and equipment investments that will be spread over several years. We are currently developing a detailed project timeline and we will be able to share more information later on,” said Frideger.

Crown operates 19 global production facilities and a service and distribution network that exceeds 500 retail locations in over 80 countries.

“It is exciting to see the Lenox facility come back to life in the manufacturing world! Adding 130 jobs for our region is a win win for all,” said Koonce.