Governor Josh Stein today announced a significant economic boost for Craven County, as BSH Home Appliances Corporation, the home appliances division of the Bosch Group, is set to invest over $11 million to expand its New Bern facility. This expansion is projected to create 199 new jobs and establish the New Bern site as a central hub for all U.S. innovation and manufacturing for BSH.

Governor Stein emphasized the strength of North Carolina's workforce, stating, “When globally known companies like BSH choose North Carolina for an expansion, it confirms the strength of our workforce.” He highlighted North Carolina's position as having the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, expressing anticipation for BSH's "pioneering production that will create more good jobs and growth opportunities for Craven County.”

BSH, headquartered in Munich, Germany, with its North American headquarters in California, is known for developing and manufacturing appliances under the Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau brands. The expansion in New Bern will solidify the facility's role in cooking and dishwashing research, innovation, manufacturing, distribution, and customer support for the United States.

Darcy Clarkson, Chief Executive Officer of BSH Region North America, commented on the deepening relationship with North Carolina, noting, “BSH’s manufacturing operation has called North Carolina home for many years, and this expansion is reflective of a valued relationship that’s deepening as we move forward.” Andy MacLaren, Chief Technology Officer of BSH Region North America, added, “We’ve been proud members of the New Bern community for over 25 years, and we look forward to further strengthening our contributions to the city and region with this important expansion.”

Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley underscored North Carolina’s reputation for manufacturing excellence, stating, “BSH’s decision validates North Carolina’s reputation for manufacturing excellence.” This announcement follows previous meetings between BSH, Secretary Lilley, and state leaders in Germany, which laid the groundwork for this expansion.

The new positions, encompassing engineering, manufacturing, and logistics roles, are expected to have an average annual salary of $60,779, surpassing Craven County’s average of $48,770. This could result in an annual payroll impact exceeding $12 million for the region.

To support this expansion, a performance-based grant of $500,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will be utilized. This fund provides financial assistance to local governments to attract economic investment and create jobs, with companies receiving no upfront money and needing to meet job creation and capital investment targets for payment. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments.

Senator Bob Brinson welcomed the expansion, stating, “This expansion is a welcomed addition to Craven County and the entire state.” Representative Steve Tyson also praised BSH as "a great corporate citizen and contributor to our economy," expressing gratitude for the partnerships that facilitated this investment.

Key partners involved in this project include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Craven Community College, North Carolina State University, North Carolina’s Southeast, Craven County, Craven 100 Alliance, the City of New Bern, Duke Energy, and Piedmont Natural Gas.