June 16. Knoll America, a supplier of conveyor systems, filter systems and metal processing pumps, will bring its US headquarters to Gaston, along with more than two dozen jobs. The company, which will also collaborate with Gaston College to set up apprenticeship programs, will invest more than $7.8 million in the headquarters and manufacturing facility.

It means 31 new jobs in Gaston County’s Apple Creek Corporate Park.

The average annual salary for the new positions is $51,869 creating a potential payroll impact of more than $1.6 million per year. Gaston County’s average annual salary is $42,018.

The 60,000-square-foot headquarters operations and production facility in Gaston County will include a state-of-the-art training area, showroom, warehouse and distribution center at the 12-acre site.

“We are excited to have another global manufacturer choose North Carolina for its headquarters,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “This decision affirms our state’s reputation of having a strong manufacturing workforce and great quality of life.”

Knoll America is the U.S. subsidiary for German-based Knoll Maschinenbau GmbH. Founded by Walter Knoll in 1970, the company is family-owned and operated by second generation Matthias and Jürgen Knoll and globally employs more than 1,200 people.