Cable Manufacturer Selects Fuquay-Varina for Expansion

Berk-Tek, a Leviton Company, plans to expand its fiber optic cabling facility at 100 Technology Park Lane in Fuquay-Varina and commit to significant new capital investment and 100 new full-time jobs.

The Company currently operates a 55,000 square foot facility and proposes to expand its existing facility by adding 95,000 square feet to its footprint. Construction of the manufacturing facility and purchased machinery and equipment will create $27 million in new capital investment and create 100 new full-time jobs over the next five years. The wages of the new jobs will vary depending on the position, but the average salary will be above the current average wage in Wake County of $72,743. Construction completion is by Spring 2024.

"Our local businesses are an integral part of our community. For over 33 years, BerkTek, LLC has been a strong business partner in Fuquay-Varina. Like many other companies in Fuquay-Varina, Berk-Tek recognizes that Fuquay-Varina offers a talented, diverse workforce. We're proud to be home to this growing Company and look forward to its continued success," stated Mayor Blake Massengill.

The expansion project will be supported by incentive funding approved by the Town Board of Commissioners during their Tuesday board meeting. Under the terms of the Company's incentive agreement, Berk-Tek, LLC is eligible to receive up to $350,000 of economic development funding assistance in return for making $27 million in new capital investment and creating 100 new full-time jobs.

"Fuquay-Varina has long been home to our Company's fiber optic manufacturing, and we are extremely excited to partner with the town on our new expansion project. Fuquay-Varina is an attractive location for us in many ways, but we especially appreciate the access to such a talented workforce that we need to continue growing our business," stated Karen Berry, Senior Director of Berk-Tek Operations.

Berk-Tek, LLC, headquartered in New Holland, Pennsylvania, was acquired by Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. in September 2020. Leviton, an American manufacturer of electrical wiring equipment, produces electrical light sockets, receptacles, and other lighting control systems. Leviton employs more than 7,000 employees globally. BerkTek's facility in Fuquay-Varina has been a leading manufacturer of high-performance fiber optic cables in the telecommunications industry. Berk-Tek's fiber cable is used in Leviton's innovative end-to-end systems for various networks across North America and the world.

"We're excited that Berk-Tek has chosen to grow its operations in Wake County, adding 100 high-paying jobs to our community," said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Shinica Thomas. "This is further proof that we have the right resources in place to help companies thrive and the right amenities available to ensure that employees and their families enjoy a great quality of life."

Joining the Town of Fuquay-Varina and Wake County on this project were Wake County Economic Development, Raleigh Chamber, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, North Carolina Community College System, Wake Tech Community College, and Capital Area Workforce Development.

"This project is the perfect example of the power of partnerships in economic development. These partnerships give Fuquay-Varina businesses a competitive advantage. Local leaders collaborated to address the Company's needs to ensure they receive the workforce and economic development services to make this project successful", said Tiffany McNeill, the Town's Economic Development Director.