North Wake News

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced the establishment of a new manufacturing plant by Gillespie Precast in Randolph County. This move, set to create 39 jobs, involves a $10 million investment in Asheboro by the company, which is a leading producer of custom precast concrete.

In the announcement, Governor Stein highlighted, “North Carolina offers manufacturing companies like Gillespie Precast an outstanding place to do business,” further attributing the state's position as the number one manufacturing state in the Southeast to its skilled workforce.

Gillespie Precast, a fifth-generation family-owned firm based in Chestertown, Maryland, specializes in manufacturing various concrete products such as box culverts, utility vaults, and custom walls. The company's new facility in Randolph County will focus on producing precast concrete items like wet and dry utility vaults and manholes, aimed at serving northeast, mid-Atlantic, and southern markets in North America.

Frank Sisk, Director of Business Development for Gillespie Precast, noted the thorough site selection process saying, “The executive team targeted several sites both in Virginia and North Carolina for possible expansion.” He expressed confidence in Asheboro as the chosen location, stating, “Once we walked the property, we knew this was going to be the place we would establish our southern base of operations.”

Sisk also emphasized the company’s commitment to quality and service, matching values he associates with the state and county: “We believe that North Carolina and Randolph County, in particular, share the same foundational principles of family, quality, and service to our communities as Gillespie Precast.”

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the economic impact of the new operation, stating, “Manufacturers like Gillespie Precast create durable, family-sustaining jobs in communities large and small.”

While wages will vary, the average salary for the new roles is projected at $64,154, surpassing Randolph County's current average wage of $49,355.

The project also benefits from a $120,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, aimed at economic investment and job creation. Representative Neal Jackson expressed enthusiasm, saying, "We enthusiastically welcome Gillespie Precast to Asheboro and Randolph County, we believe this company will experience remarkable success in our community."

Senator David Craven Jr. acknowledged the collaborative effort required for economic development, stating, “I appreciate the hard work from the great folks that helped us reach today’s great announcement from Gillespie Precast.”

The project partners include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the General Assembly, and various local institutions.