NH Imports 100 Jobs From China

Watts Water Technologies

Watts Water Technologies in Franklin plans on importing 100 jobs to the area from China

A New England-based manufacturer is moving some of its operations from China to New Hampshire–and bringing 100 new jobs with it.  Watts Water Technologies is building up its facilities in Franklin.  As Dan Seufert reports for the Union-Leader:

“Watts Water Technologies Inc., which operates Webster Valve, is building the new 30,000-square-foot building to accommodate new workers as part of its transfer of manufacturing operations from plants in China.

‘It makes me proud, as a New Hampshire resident and an American, that you have been able to bring your product lines back from China and bring jobs back from China,’ said Franklin Mayor Kenneth Merrifield…

N.H. Department of Resources and Economic Development officials have been working with Watts officials for several years on the project.”

Watts Water Technologies is based in Andover, Massachusetts.  The company employs 6,000 workers in 70 countries.  Franklin is home to its largest North American manufacturing facility, with about 400 employees.  The company’s planning on bringing in the 100 new hires next year, once construction wraps-up.  Monday was the ceremonial ground-breaking day, with Governor Lynch and various dignitaries in attendance.  A news release from the Department of Revenue and Economic Development (DRED) quotes President and CEO David Coghlan as saying, “This investment will support our ability to make high quality products which meet the lead-free requirements that come into effect in January 2014.”