(RALEIGH) -- A manufacturer of specialty thermal/acoustic products for the automotive industry plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Yadkin County. Lydall plans to create 170 jobs and invest $18.5 million over the next three years in Hamptonville and Yadkinville.

Gov. Bev Perdue made the announcement on Friday.  She confirmed that Lydall is eligible for a $300,000 state grant. “It’s great to see Lydall significantly increase their investment in Yadkin County, because they see firsthand the value of doing business in North Carolina,” said Gov. Perdue.

To meet growing demand, Lydall will expand their operation in Yadkin County. Part of the expansion includes improvements at their current Hamptonville facility that employs 500 workers. The company will also lease additional space in a new Yadkinville facility.