ASHEVILLE, NC – Charles Edward Industries plans to invest $1.5 million in a new EMS plant here over the next three years.

The EMS firm will relocate its headquarters and expand into an existing building. The new facility will support growth opportunities for CEI in the aviation and aerospace industries, in addition to supporting existing customer relationships.

The facility is expected to create 60 jobs, including positions in assembly and production, engineering, management and administration. The company will pay an average wage of $46,925, roughly 110% that of the Buncombe County average. Hiring is expected to start this fall.

“CEI is thrilled to announce our plans to establish a presence in the Asheville community and to add to the ongoing revitalization efforts of the Broadway St. corridor,” said Tim Harmon, president of CEI. “We see great promise for our company in Asheville and view the community’s workforce as a key competitive advantage as we seek to grow the business to new heights.”

“CEI’s commitment to invest in Asheville is a testament to the attractive community and economic assets that exist in our city,” said Esther Manheimer, mayor for the city of Asheville. “The well-paying, highly-skilled manufacturing jobs associated with this investment are a welcome addition to our community as we work to rebuild our economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“We are grateful to welcome another technology-driven manufacturing company like CEI to Buncombe County during a time when strengthening and diversifying our local economy is a top community priority,” said Brownie Newman, chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “Buncombe County has a great legacy of manufacturing talent, and the workforce training partnership CEI will establish with A-B Tech will further ensure a steady pipeline of highly skilled workers is available to help the company thrive in our community for years to come.”

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