(RALEIGH) -- An industrial electric motor maker plans an expansion of its operations in Cleveland County.  Baldor Electric Co., will add 166 jobs and invest $17 million at a plant in Shelby.

Gov. Bev Perdue confirmed on Tuesday that the project was made possible in part by a $400,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. The company is expanding to accommodate growing demand for wind turbine motors.

“North Carolina has a strong commitment to developing and growing the green energy economy,” said Gov. Perdue.  “Our terrific business climate and skilled workforce make North Carolina an excellent location for companies who share our vision of a sustainable energy future. We thank Baldor Electric for their continued commitment to that vision and to our state.”
 
“Building our products efficiently in the United States and exporting them around the world has long been a strategy at Baldor," said Bill Ramsbey, Vice President of Operations. "We have enjoyed working with the state of North Carolina and Cleveland County to fulfill this strategy since 1983.”

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco said the company already employs about 700 people North Carolina. He added that making engines for wind turbines shows it is part of the growing "green energy" sector.