Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $600,000 to Create a Personal Protective Equipment Laboratory in Conover, North Carolina

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $600,000 grant to the city of Conover, North Carolina, to purchase critical supplies in support of a new personal protective equipment (PPE) laboratory. This EDA grant, to be matched with $150,000 in local investment, is expected to create 82 jobs and generate $22.3 million in private investment.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to diversify and expand their regional economies, creating new opportunities for job growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will help establish a PPE prototyping and testing laboratory that will offer technical assistance to companies across the country, supporting pandemic recovery and future resilience in Conover and beyond.”

“Since the start of this pandemic, personal protective equipment has been critical to keeping people safe,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This new laboratory in Conover and the good jobs it brings for our skilled workforce will not only help protect our communities but boost our economy as well.”

“This announcement is a big win for the city of Conover and surrounding areas,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “With the ongoing pandemic, it’s important we continue to produce critical PPE and this grant will allow the purchase of critical supplies in support of a new PPE laboratory in the area, and will create more than 80 new jobs. I applaud the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for their continued investment in our great state.”

“The City of Conover has been a visionary leader in the Tenth District community in meeting the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Congressman Patrick McHenry NC-10). “I applaud them on the great work they are doing in the development of personal protective equipment and creating new jobs in this important industry. The EDA invests in communities like the City of Conover to promote American innovation and job growth. I congratulate Mayor Lee Moritz, City Manager Donald Duncan and the entire team on being awarded this $600,000 EDA grant that will help them to continue their work with a PPE laboratory.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG). EDA funds WPCOG to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.