North Carolina Governor Easley Announces 325 Jobs In Wake County

One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Bring Optimal Technologies Headquarters to Raleigh

12/10/2007 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today announced that Optimal Technologies US Inc., a software and technology provider for electrical utilities and consumers, will relocate its headquarters from Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Raleigh. The new facility, made possible in part by a $325,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, will create 325 jobs and a company investment of $2.4 million during the next three years.

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''Companies like Optimal Technologies recognize North Carolina is making smart investments in our schools and workforce training,'' said Easley. ''Businesses around the world know that it is our ongoing commitment to lifelong education that provides an economic climate helping them grow and prosper.''

Optimal Technologies develops next generation technologies to help utilities, businesses and consumers optimize their energy usage. Its products and services are designed to provide a more efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity grid.

The new jobs will include highly specialized circuit designers, software programmers, engineers, management and marketing positions. While wages will vary according to job function, the overall average annual wage for the 325 new jobs will be $71,250 not including benefits, which is more than the Wake County average of $40,092.

Roland Schoettle, the company’s CEO, said Optimal Technologies chose North Carolina to lead its U.S.-based operations because of the support and enthusiasm from the state and city of Raleigh. ''Optimal found the strengths of Raleigh and surrounding areas to coincide directly with the needs of our growing company,'' Schoettle said. ''With this new office we will be able to tap into the wealth of talent in Wake and surrounding counties, as well as the area’s numerous prestigious universities.''

''We have worked hard in the state Senate to put policies in place that encourage companies like Optimal Technologies to see that North Carolina is a place where they can succeed,'' said state Sen. Vernon Malone (D-Wake), who serves on the Senate Commerce Committee and the joint Committee on Economic Development Incentives.

''This is the kind of announcement that reflects the strong cooperation between local and state government along with businesses to help produce more high paying 21st century jobs and North Carolina’s economy to grow,'' said state Rep. Deborah Ross (D-Wake).

''Our state’s commitment to education was critical in this announcement,'' said state Rep. Dan Blue (D-Wake), who serves on the House Science and Technology Committee. ''Continuing to provide an economic climate that attracts firms like Optimal Technologies will keep North Carolina competitive in the global economy.''

The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon local matching funds. Through the use of this fund, more than 28,000 jobs and $4 billion in investment have been created since 2001.

Partners who helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, City of Raleigh, Raleigh Economic Development, Research Triangle Regional Partnership, Wake County Economic Development and Progress Energy.

For more information about Optimal Technologies, including job opportunities, visit www.otii.com

Source: North Carolina Governor