County approves economic incentives­, King bids farewell

Counting on a longterm return and benefit to the area, Buncombe County commissioners approved two economic incentive packages today, Nov. 18, in exchange for the creation of new jobs and millions of dollars of investment in the county economy. Commissioners unanimously approved a $9 million economic incentive for gear maker Linamar North Carolina Inc., to […]

Asheville City Council preview: Welcoming the Canadians

At tonight’s Asheville City Council meeting, that august governing body will vote on $2.2 million in tax incentives for Linamar’s move into the former Volvo plant, where the Canadian company plans to begin making auto parts before the end of the year. Also on the agenda: larger recycling bins, rates for renting Pack Square Park and deciding which candidates to interview for the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Local Matters: The buzz around Buncombe County, Volvo and Linamar

In this edition of Local Matters—the Xpress weekly news podcast—reporters David Forbes and Jake Frankel discuss the recent announcement about the purchase of the former Volvo plant in South Asheville by Buncombe County as part of an incentive deal to bring the Linamar manufacturing company to the city. Hosted by News Editor Margaret Williams.

The big deal: Linamar will bring almost 400 jobs to Asheville

County buys Volvo plant. County sells Volvo plant to Linamar Group, a Canadian manufacturer, the following year. Asheville gives Linamar $2.2 million in incentives over four years. Buncombe puts up $6.8 million in incentives. North Carolina pitches in $9 million. The hoped-for results? Almost 400 jobs for the Asheville-Buncombe area that pay, on average, more than $39,000 a year.

Governor Bev Perdue announces Linamar’s expansion. Photo by Jonathan Welch