Business

New tech jobs in Fletcher will pay $40,000/year

By Bill Moss, Published: December 26, 2012

FLETCHER — A company that specializes in long-life battery and fuel-cell technology will invest $7 million and bring 116 jobs paying an average salary of $40,000 to Fletcher, the company announced.

Zentric Inc. announced its plans to consolidate and relocate operations of the company's headquarters into an existing facility at 220 Continuum Drive. The company plans to create 116 new jobs and invest $7 million in real and business personal property over the next few years. It will start the hiring with as many as 44 jobs in Fletcher in 2013.
The move marks Zentric's emergence from a technology development company to an operating entity focused on advanced battery technology development.
Zentric was founded in 2008 in Nevada and focuses on the development of battery technologies and fuel cell storage. The new headquarters will allow Zentric to further develop battery and solar technologies through research and design and will also house assembly and administrative support operations, the company said.
"The decision to consolidate our office locations, and launch assembly operations, came after careful review and consideration of building options in many communities, in many states," Zentric president William Tien said in a news release. "Henderson County offered a strong business climate balanced with a focus on sustainability, elected leadership that understood business needs, and access to a qualified workforce – all of which help to ensure our company's successful start-up."
Zentric plans to hire 116 employees over the next four years, and as many as 44 through the end of 2013. The average wages for jobs provided by Zentric are in excess of $40,000 year, and include research technicians, engineers, warehouse/logistics staff, and office support.
"We are pleased with Zentric's decision to locate in Henderson County, and look forward to watching them grow and employ many people in our community as they become our newest corporate citizen," Henderson County Board of Commissioners chairman Charlie Messer said in a statement.
The company selected an existing facility at 220 Continuum Drive in Fletcher for their operations after looking closely at many options. Zentric has plans to expand the existing 31,000 square foot facility in 2014 to accommodate additional growth.
Fletcher mayor Bill Moore said, "Fletcher welcomes Mr. Tien and Zentric to our community. We are excited to see new and innovative ideas and products being developed in our Town, and of course we are excited about the positive employment impact this company will have."
Chip Gould, chairman of the Partnership's Board of Directors, added, "Zentric is a good example of the diverse nature of our economy and our community's ability to be competitive in pursuing diverse employment projects."
The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, Inc. is a 501(c)6 organization that works to: retain and attract quality jobs; solicit new business compatible with the assets and values of Henderson County; promote Henderson County's business image; assist expansion of existing companies; and enhance Henderson County's overall quality of life. For more information on the Partnership visit www.strategiclocation.com. For more information about Zentric, visit www.zntr.com.