Nanotechnology company in Utah plans N.C. plant

RALEIGH, N.C. — A Utah company is bringing nanotechnology and more than 200 workers to a small Guilford County, N.C., town, state officials said Wednesday.

High Performance Coatings Inc., based in Bluffdale, expects to have 214 employees and invest $3.5 million in the next three years. Its 55,000-square-foot plant opening Oct. 1 will make coatings that protect against heat, corrosion, friction and discoloration.

The company selected North Carolina for its proximity to customers, including the state's NASCAR racing teams and parts suppliers for the automotive and diesel truck industries.

"North Carolina's rich heritage in motorsports, automotive and diesel manufacturing, higher education research and a loyal, committed work force provided the bedrock for our decision," said Paul Clayson, chairman and chief executive officer of nCoat Inc., a nanotechnology development company and HPC's parent.

The plant's average wage will be about $48,000 plus benefits, state Commerce Department spokeswoman Deborah Barnes said. HPC has not completed its hiring, spokeswoman Lisa Leonard said.

Some of the company's coatings are manufactured molecule by molecule, a process called nanotechnology.

The technology, which the state is trying to foster, has applications in many industries. For example, textile companies are producing fabrics that have permanent stain-repellant properties. Medical devices implanted into a patient's body can automatically deliver drugs when needed.