New wind tunnel in NC

Gov. Mike Easley announced that Wind Tunnel eXtreme , an automotive research and development firm, will open a facility in Salisbury, creating 29 jobs and investing $60 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $30,000 One North Carolina Fund grant. "Wind Tunnel eXtreme's new facility in Rowan County will be an important addition to North Carolina's motorsports industry," Easley said. "Motorsports is a growing area of the state's economy, contributing $6 billion annually." Wind Tunnel eXtreme is a research and development group that tests and designs aerodynamic features for automobiles. The company will also provide aerodynamic testing and validation services. While wages will vary by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $1,515 plus benefits, which is more than the Rowan County average weekly wage of $611, not including benefits. Other partners who helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Rowan County, the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission and Duke Energy. Salisbury Post