This news item expired on Friday, February 1, 2019 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Asheville, NC – Reich LLC announced plans to invest $10.9 million in its Arden operations. The investments in new technology, machinery, and equipment will require the addition of 15 new positions to its current workforce of 148. The new positions will pay, on average, nearly 40% above the Buncombe County average wage.
Reich LLC is a subsidiary of Reich USA GmbH which, together with Reich GmbH, is a leading manufacturer of turned parts, ball bearings, components for fuel injection systems and other automotive parts as well as equipment for the food industry. Reich LLC is known for the outstanding level of quality of its parts and components. The vertical range of manufacturing, i.e., the different processes, further reflects the high level of quality.
In 2010, Reich GmbH of Mellrichstadt, Germany, announced plans to expand its operations to the United States with the establishment of a precision vehicle parts manufacturing facility in Buncombe County’s Vista Industrial Center. Over the last eight years, they have invested over $28 million and created over 140 highly-skilled machinist and production jobs. A majority of the positions represent high-value careers and professional and technical opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and management.
“The decision to expand our operations in Buncombe County fulfills our long-term commitment to serving our North American Customers,” said Matthias Goetz, Asheville Plant Manager. “We continue to build on a great workforce, culture, and community that support advanced manufacturing jobs in Western North Carolina. The Asheville area’s metalworking legacy and the strong skill set of its manufacturing workforce continue to be the foundation of our success”.
Reich products are used by various industries ranging from the automotive industry, the power tools industry, as well as equipment and machinery manufacturing to the food industry. Reich Automotive opened their Buncombe County Manufacturing site in 2011 as the first US Manufacturing site for the family-owned, 4th Generation German Company. The owners and CEOs, Nina and Andre Reich, have expressed great confidence in their US venture and are personally committed to their chosen site in Buncombe County.
The expanded production capacity will sustain $1.8M in annual labor income from new direct, indirect and induced jobs, and will support another $650,000 in new annual federal, state and local taxes essential to the fiscal health of our region.
“Reich LLC is relatively new to the area and in short time has grown to be a leading employer in Buncombe County, and we applaud their continued investment in technology, innovation, and people,” said Brownie Newman, Chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “The expansion will not only mean high-quality jobs for our citizens but also positions our state and community as a leader in the automotive industry.” Chair of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), Janice Brumit, thanked the NC Department of Commerce and Buncombe County for their collaboration with Reich’s site selection group. Brumit added, “Our ability to support these industries will build a strong foundation for our future.” For more information on Reich LLC and employment opportunities, please visit www.reich-llc.com.
About the Economic Development Coalition
The EDC for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to creating and retaining high-quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurship, research, and marketing and recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5x5 Campaign.
About the Chamber
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,800 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to a 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes over 240,000 visitors per year.
Buncombe County Strategic Priorities
Cultivating a robust, inclusive local economy featuring a diverse workforce and implementing pipelines to jobs and educational opportunities for all citizens of Buncombe County is one of Buncombe Commissioners Strategic Priorities. Find out more here.