Henderson Lands $8M Syntec Precision Technology Production, Warehouse Facility

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Gov. Josh Stein announced high-precision manufacturer Syntec Precision Technology Corporation will create 34 new jobs in Vance County. The company will invest $8 million to establish its first North American production and warehouse facility in the city of Henderson.

“Syntec has made a great decision to make its North American home in our state,” Stein said.  “Global manufacturers like Syntec need strong communities with a steady pipeline of talent and infrastructure to support their long-term growth strategies, and we’re proud that Vance County fits the bill.”

Syntec Precision Technology is a leader in engineering and producing precision machining parts for the hydraulic, life sciences, and transportation industries. The company provides research and development, manufacturing, assembly and testing services for its customers. Syntec’s expansion to the United States will support the development, production, and distribution of its high-quality parts for medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and orthopedic products as well as new equipment.

Vance County Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse told WIZS News that the international company will be locating at 145 Technology Lane, which is in Triangle North Corporate Park on Poplar Creek Road – across I-85 from Vance-Granville Community College.

“They plan to begin ramping up operations this year,” Rouse said, with initial plans to  buy equipment and up-fit the site before hiring people and beginning production.

“On behalf of my family and our team, I am thrilled to announce our plans to establish a manufacturing facility in North Carolina,” said Lei Wang and Bin Wang, Owners of Syntec Precision Technology Corporation. “We are deeply grateful to the State of North Carolina, Vance County, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and the N.C. Community College System, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this process. Your partnership has been instrumental in making our vision a reality, and we are excited to contribute to the growth and success of this vibrant community. We look forward to a strong and prosperous future together in North Carolina.”

“North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the southeastern United States,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our ‘First in Talent’ workforce development system continues to provide a highly trained, dedicated workforce for dynamic manufacturers like Syntec.”

While wages for technicians, inspectors, engineers and other personnel vary by position, annual wages for new positions will average $46,985. The average wage in Vance County is $45,193. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.5 million.

A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund awarded to Syntec Precision will help the company locate to Vance County. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“We welcome these new jobs to Vance County,” said N.C. Sen. Lisa S. Barnes. “Syntec is a fantastic addition to our existing supply chain, and we look forward to partnering with the company as it builds its new home here in rural North Carolina.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Vance-Granville Community College, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, Vance County, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission, Duke Energy and the City of Henderson.

— information courtesy of the office of N.C. Gov. Josh Stein

(This story was updated 2-18-25. It was originally published on WIZS 2-17-25.)

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Cooperative Extension With Wayne Rowland: Consulting Forester

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Cooperative Extension

Today on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report, Wayne Rowland talks about Improving your forest by hiring a Consulting Forester.

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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City Council Chambers To Get Extra Screening Devices To Improve Security

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The city of Henderson is installing advanced screening devices at the entrance of the Council meeting chambers, adding one more layer of protection to all who attend Council meetings.

Public Information Officer Salonia Saxton did not indicate when the devices would be in place, but she said they are designed to improve security by detecting and preventing unauthorized weapons and potentially dangerous items from being brought into the building.

“These new measures demonstrate the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees,” Saxton said, “allowing them to participate in council meetings with peace of mind.”

 

Council Approves Parental Leave Policy; Includes Paternal Leave For New Dads

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The Henderson City Council Monday unanimously approved a parental leave policy that will provide parents time with the newest additions to their families.

According to the resolution that Council members approved, parental leave policies are a standard offering for all
companies, municipalities, and private
firms in the country, and having a policy in place emphasizes that the city is committed to providing flexibility and incentives for new hires and existing employees.

The resolution adopted by Council at its February 10 meeting updates to policy to include paternal leave as a benefit to staff.

Chamber Member Spotlight: Sams Furniture And Mattress Center

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— Part of a paid ad by Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Representatives of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce stopped in this week at Sams Furniture and Mattress Center for a Member Spotlight presentation. Britt Sams and staff offered a warm welcome to Chamber staff and board members.

Sams Furniture and Mattress Center is a family-owned and operated business owned by Britt Sams and it celebrates 24 years in business this year. Established right here in downtown Henderson in 2001, Sams Furniture and Mattress Center was voted the #1 furniture store and the #1 mattress store in 2024 – an honor it has received many years out of the last 20.

They deliver all throughout Henderson, Vance County and the surrounding counties, up into Virginia and all the way to the beach. They offer three floors packed with living room, bedroom, dining room furniture, lift chairs, home entertainment, home accents and mattresses and have six employees.

Located at 515 S. Garnett St., Britt has a passion to attract people downtown to shop local and is glad to be a part of downtown Henderson. They offer a personal touch in servicing all products that they sell. Sandra Wilkerson, President of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, and Kevin Wade, HV Chamber Board member, thanked them for their continued support of the Chamber and for the service that they provide to Henderson and surrounding areas.

Call Sams Furniture and Mattress Center at 252.762.0500.

Consider paying them a visit today and check out their beautiful showrooms. We are fortunate to have Sams Furniture in downtown Henderson and we wish them many more years of continued success!

 

 

Maria Parham Feb. 27 Lunch And Learn Focuses On Heart Health

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Maria Parham Health Hosts is kicking off the 2025 Lunch and Learn series this month with a focus on heart health.

February is Heart Health month and on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 12 noon, two interventional cardiologists are scheduled to present information with a focus on prevention, early detection and cardiac care.

Dr. Araba Ofosu-Somuah, who will discuss heart and vascular disease with a specific focus on the unique needs of women’s cardiac care. Dr. Benjamin Dao, who will share essential insights on heart and vascular disease,  as well as emphasizing prevention and early detection.

This free event is open to all community residents, and a complimentary lunch will be provided.  Seating is limited, so online registration is required. Secure your spot by visiting MariaParham.com/event/62 today.

For more information or to register, please contact Donna Young, Marketing & Communication coordinator, at 252.436.1408.

 

Chamber Spotlight: Sunrock Industries, Inc.

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– This post sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Representatives of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce visited Chamber Member Sunrock Industries, Inc. last week to recognize the company with a well-deserved Member Spotlight honor.

The company, with headquarters in Raleigh, recently celebrated 75 years in business and have been located in North Carolina for 40 years. This family-owned business is a leading supplier of construction materials.

As a vertically integrated company, they produce aggregates, hot mix asphalt, ready mixed concrete materials and provide a variety of contracting services.

For more information about the services and products they provide, call Sunrock at 919.747.6400.

During the recent visit by Chamber representatives, owner Bryan Pfohl offered a history on the company over the years and shared details about the many processes and applications for their products.

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson, along with Board Chair Scott Burwell, board member Beth Townsend and Vanessa Jones, director of Programs, joined Pfohl and Sunrock President Mike Nolan, COO Zach Satterwhite and Hunter King, communications specialist for the special recognition.

S-Line Rail Corridor

TownTalk: Mobility Hub Funding

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The Henderson City Council made its selection Monday for where the Mobility Hub would be located, which in turn sets in motion the next steps for the overall plan to bring passenger rail service back to Henderson.

The Council chose the iconic downtown First National Bank building over the Garnett Street Station, even though – ironically – that building once served as a train depot.

City and NCDOT officials presented both sites to the Council during its Feb. 10 meeting, complete with artist renderings and a list of pros and cons for each potential site.

Ultimately, the Council voted for the bank building, which has been vacant for decades.

It is unclear just how much it will cost to renovate the building in preparation for use as a mobility hub, which is one component included in the $21 million train station project.

If the mobility hub needed to be completed right now, the city would need to foot the bill. According to information from City Public Information Officer Salonia Saxton, however, that mobility hub won’t be needed for several more years – which gives local and NCDOT staff a bit of time to identify funding sources to help defray the cost.

Building construction and renovation, parcel acquisition, site development and a pedestrian railroad overpass are just a few of the facets of the project the city expects to fund, Saxton said.

She said the mobility hub is a supporting facility to the rail station and its platforms and is only a part of the $21 million estimate.

Next up for the site is completion of an environmental study by NCDOT.

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Deon Linshawn Bullock is Wanted in Connection to Donnie Ayscue’s Homicide

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UPDATE 2-13-25

(WIZS write up to follow here soon)

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For Immediate Release – From Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame – Date: January 24, 2025

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) received a 911 call at approximately 1:54 a.m. about a gunshot victim at 1300 Walters Street in Henderson, North Carolina. Vance County EMS and VCSO Deputies responded and discovered Donnie Ayscue suffering from a single gunshot wound. Ayscue died as a result of his injuries at his residence.

After an intensive investigation, 19-year-old, Deon Linshawn Bullock was identified as a person of interest.

Deon Linshawn Bullock is wanted in connection to Ayscue’s homicide. Bullock was last seen wearing a grey hoodie with grey joggers on January 24, 2025. See photo below.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Vance County Sheriff’s Office in this active and ongoing homicide investigation.

Contact: Anyone with information on Deon Linshawn Bullock’s whereabouts should contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers (252) 492-1925, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office (252) 738-2200, or the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations (1-800-334-3000 or sbiwebcontact@ncsbi.gov).

(Original post made to WIZS.com on Jan. 24, 2025)

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