(RALEIGH) -- A bearing manufacturer will expand its operations in Burke and Alexander counties. American Roller Bearing Industries Inc. expects to create 231 new jobs over the next five years and invest between $3 million and $5 million per year in land, buildings, machinery and equipment.

“North Carolina has dedicated skilled workers who will make our expansion in North Carolina successful,” said Ben Succop, President of American Roller Bearing. “We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with the State of North Carolina and those we have in Burke and Alexander counties.

Gov. Bev Perdue confirmed that American Roller Bearing Industries is eligible for a state Job Development Investment Grant. Under the terms of the JDIG, the company is eligible to receive a grant equal to 65-percent of the state personal income withholding taxes derived from the creation of new jobs for each of the 9 years in which the company meets annual performance targets. If A.R.B. meets the targets called for under the agreement and sustains them for 9 years, the JDIG could yield just over $2 million for A.R.B.