Goldsboro, N.C. — Wednesday, May 14, Governor Josh Stein joined business leaders and local officials today to announce a significant economic development milestone: Prolec-GE Waukesha, Inc., one of the nation’s leading power transformer manufacturers, will invest $140 million to build a second manufacturing facility in Goldsboro, creating 330 new jobs.
The expansion strengthens North Carolina’s growing reputation as a national manufacturing hub.
“Prolec GE’s expansion in North Carolina further solidifies the state as a manufacturing powerhouse across all sectors,” said Governor Stein. “Our strong economy and world-class workforce continue to give businesses the confidence to keep investing in North Carolina. We’re excited about Prolec GE’s commitment to Wayne County.”
Prolec-GE Waukesha is a subsidiary of GE Prolec Transformers, Inc., a joint venture between Xignux and GE Vernova. Headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the company engineers, manufactures, and services power transformers for utilities, renewable energy developers, data centers, and industrial sites across the U.S.
The company’s new state-of-the-art facility will be built at its existing Goldsboro site, doubling its current production capacity of medium power transformers. The expansion will help meet increasing demand for power grid infrastructure as energy needs grow nationwide.
“This $140 million investment reflects our long-term commitment to creating sustainable value for North America’s energy market,” said Juan Ignacio Garza Herrera, CEO of Xignux and Chairman of Prolec GE. “Our collaboration with the state of North Carolina, Wayne County, and our partner GE Vernova is helping us bring this vision to life in a way that benefits both our customers and the broader energy grid.”
The average salary for the 330 new positions is expected to be $71,912—well above Wayne County’s average annual wage of $46,211—generating a potential annual payroll impact of more than $23.7 million for the local economy.
North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized the state’s ongoing momentum in energy and manufacturing. “Prolec GE’s expansion is a vote of confidence in our workforce training, infrastructure, and recruitment efforts,” he said.
The project will be supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved earlier today by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over its 12-year term, the project is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by more than $1.05 billion. The JDIG agreement allows for potential reimbursement to the company of up to $4.7 million, based on performance milestones.
The return on investment for public dollars is projected at 106%, meaning every state dollar spent could generate $2.06 in tax revenue.
Local leaders praised the announcement, highlighting the potential for long-term regional growth.
“We welcome Prolec GE’s expansion,” said State Senator Buck Newton. “This investment will bring economic growth and stability to Eastern North Carolina and ensure reliable, American-made energy infrastructure.”
“Announcements like these happen through collaboration,” added Representative John R. Bell, IV. “With the hard work of our state and local partners, Prolec GE’s expansion is energizing our regional economy.”
Key partners in the project include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Wayne County Development Alliance, North Carolina Community College System, Duke Energy, and several regional organizations.
