The North Carolina Department of Commerce announced on May 26, 2026, that Governor Josh Stein has approved a Job Development Investment Grant for BorgWarner Inc. to expand its manufacturing operations in Hendersonville, Henderson County. The state’s Economic Investment Committee authorized the grant as part of a $100 million investment by the company to add 140,000 square feet to its existing site and create 378 new jobs.
What it means
BorgWarner said the expansion will allow the company to vertically integrate operations and produce critical components. The new positions include technicians, logistics personnel, and production staff with an average annual salary of $67,047, which is higher than the Henderson County average of $54,118. According to the state, these salaries will generate a potential annual payroll impact of $25.3 million for the region.
The JDIG provides reimbursement based on job creation and retention over a 12-year term, with payments occurring only after annual performance verification by the Departments of Commerce and Revenue. The maximum potential reimbursement to BorgWarner Industrial Solutions LLC is $3,685,500. The state projects an 88 percent return on investment of public dollars, estimating $1.88 in state revenue for every dollar of potential cost. Additionally, $409,500 from the award will move to the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account to help rural communities finance infrastructure upgrades. The project involves partnerships with the North Carolina General Assembly, N.C. Commerce’s Divisions of Workforce Solutions and Rural Economic Development, the Rural Infrastructure Authority, the North Carolina Community College System, Blue Ridge Community College, Duke Energy, Henderson County, the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, and the City of Hendersonville.
Key facts
- $100 million planned investment by BorgWarner Inc.
- 378 new jobs in Henderson County, N.C.
- 140,000 square feet added to the Hendersonville site
- $67,047 average annual salary for new positions
- $3,685,500 maximum potential JDIG reimbursement
- 12-year grant term with performance-based payments
- $409,500 allocated to Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account
- May 26, 2026: Date of announcement and Economic Investment Committee approval
Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce news release