• By Todd Luck
• Posted Friday, May 21, 2021

County commissioners approve support for Ardagh expansion in Forsyth County

During their May 20 meeting, the Forsyth County commissioners approved participation in an economic development incentives project and grant applications to support Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc. expanding its manufacturing plant in Forsyth County, which will create at least 94 jobs and nearly $200 million in capital investment.

Ardagh, which manufactures metal beverage cans, is considering the expansion of its plant in Forsyth County or other counties. The incentives are contingent on the expansion creating 94 new full-time jobs with an average wage of at least $77,300 per year, plus benefits, and investing $195,500,000 in building, machinery and equipment.

The county incentive is not to exceed $2,749,100 over a five-year period and will not exceed 50 percent of the actual annual property taxes generated by the company's capital investments. The county will also apply for a $250,000 One North Carolina grant and a $500,000 Rural Division Building Reuse grant from the State of North Carolina to aid and encourage the Ardagh expansion.

“Ardagh Group’s continued commitment to Forsyth County underscores the strength of our manufacturing sector, particularly in food and beverage manufacturing, where we continue to see industry growth,” said Forsyth County Community and Economic Director Kyle Haney. “Successful projects such as this one generate new interest and opportunities for our county to help existing companies expand and attract new investment.”