Gov. Roy Cooper

Crown Equipment is adding more than 130 jobs to its Kinston, North Carolina operations.

According to local reports, the new jobs will include assemblers, engineers, machine operators and support staff.

Crown is expanding its manufacturing operations in Lenoir County and investing up to USD13 million in the expansion, according to an announcement from the state governor's office.

A performance-based grant of USD400,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate the expansion. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment.

The company's expansion in Kinston will provide additional manufacturing and assembly space to meet growing customer demand. "This expansion is part of our long-term vision to enhance our manufacturing flexibility and capacity," says Todd Frideger, plant manager of Crown's Kinston manufacturing facility. "We are pleased to strengthen our commitment to Kinston and the state of North Carolina through this investment and excited to create more career opportunities in the region."

"Crown Equipment Corporation's decision to expand in Lenoir County helps with our efforts to grow the economy in eastern North Carolina," says governor Roy Cooper. "Crown is an example of the growing companies that choose to continue operating in our state because of our resilient economy, capable workforce, and supportive communities."