Leading U.S. faucet maker Moen Incorporated will be investing $15 million in expanding its distribution facility in Kinston, North Carolina, creating 35 new jobs there over the next five years, according to a Lenoir County press release.
“The city of Kinston has been a great fit for Moen, since we first became part of the community nearly 30 years ago,” Moen Distribution Manager Troy Pedersen said. “When it came time to expand our distribution and warehouse capacity, Lenoir County was a natural choice.”
“We are excited to begin construction this spring on an addition that will nearly double the size of our existing warehouse facility,” Pedersen said. “This will allow us to increase our warehouse and distribution capacity for Moen faucets, kitchen and bath accessories, sinks, and garbage disposals as we continue to service all of our customers throughout North America.”
Moen, an international company based in North Olmsted, Ohio, has U.S. manufacturing operations located in New Bern and Sanford in North Carolina, and in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. The Kinston operation is a distribution facility.
“The re-emergence of Kinston’s economy continues with Moen’s expansion and investment announcement today,” Mayor BJ Murphy said. “Since 1987, Moen has shipped high-quality products right here in Kinston that are found in homes all across our country. We are grateful that our local workforce and community partnerships have proven to be of great value to the Moen brand.”
“We are thrilled with the progress Moen has made at its Kinston facility, and wish them continued success as they roll out their new expansion to support their global distribution,” said state Rep. George Graham. “It means new jobs for our local residents and a stronger spotlight on manufacturing in Eastern North Carolina.”
The Kinston expansion is supported by a performance-based grant of up to $450,000 from Lenoir County. Companies approved for such grants receive no money upfront, and must report and meet investment performance commitments to qualify for reimbursement of tax dollars.
In addition to Lenoir County and the Lenoir County Economic Development office, partners who helped with this project include: North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina Global TransPark, Lenoir Community College, North Carolina’s Southeast Regional Economic Development Partnership, Lenoir Committee of 100, Inc., the city of Kinston, and Barnhill Contracting Company.