(DAVIDSON) -- One of the largest direct marketers and distributors of Metalworking and Maintenance, Repair and Operations supplies to industrial customers will establish co-headquarters in Mecklenburg County. The company plans to create 400 jobs in Davidson by the end of 2017, and invest more than $31 million in the project.

Gov. Bev Perdue confirmed that the project was made possible in part by state grants from the Job Development Investment Grant and the One North Carolina Fund Award.

“Companies like MSC quickly recognize that North Carolina has the business climate and top notch workforce that makes this a place where they can thrive,” said Perdue.

“This co-location strategy will support and prepare for MSC’s strong future growth trajectory,” said David Sandler, Chief Executive Officer of MSC. “After conducting a national search, the Charlotte area provided the most compelling opportunity to strategically and cost-effectively grow our business. We are grateful for the efforts and leadership of Governor Perdue and other North Carolina officials for working with us to make this co-location possible. We look forward to building our presence in the Davidson community and to beginning this exciting new chapter for MSC.”

MSC currently employs 64 people in North Carolina at branch offices located in Asheville, Camp LeJeune, Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh.